Can I stop Accutane treatment for 1 month?

Question

I'm going on a month long backpacking trip this summer and want stop Accutane treatment during that time. I've been taking 60mg daily for about 5 months. My skin is just about clear. If I stop taking the medication for this period of time will my acne return?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD · Answer

While not ideal, you can stop accutane for a month and pick up treatment after your trip.  The results are based on cumulative dose.  If your doctor wants you to continue for more than five months, then you can pick it up again after your trip.  But remember if you are a woman of childbearing age, you may be locked out of the ipledge program for a period of time if you haven't picked up a prescription within a certain window.  If that occurs, you have to wait another 30 days after a negative pregnancy test.  Check with your doctor who can look into your ipledge account and help you with this.  
Finally, accutane stays in your system for 30 days after your last dose, so you will still need to be careful while on your backpacking trip to protect yourself from the sun.

Can I stop Accutane treatment for 1 month?

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