My doctor prescribed Accutane for me for only a course of 3 months. Any suggestions?

Question

I only have acne on my face, as my back/shoulders/neck is completely clear. I was just wondering if this had an effect on the course of the treatment because the acne is in only on my face. I am very curious.

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

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

The course of accutane is usually 4-6 months in dose ranges
from 20-60 mg/day. The goal is to reach a 120-150 mg/kg dosage over the single
4-6 month course. The typical dose ranges from 0.5-1 mg/kg/day. This gives you
a 90-95% success rate of clearing acne for lifetime. When starting accutane,
you can get a flare of symptoms and you will start seeing results usually after
6-8 weeks. There is a 5-10% recurrence rate of  acne on accutane and courses can be repeated 2-3 times if
needed after a 4-6 weeks break on the medication.

Overall, in the right hands, it is a great medication and if
used properly, it will clear acne for life in 90-95% of cases. For the best
results, please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with
severe acne.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

According to the American Academy of Dermatology,
a course of treatment with isotretinoin generally lasts 4 to 5 months but can
run shorter or longer. In my practice we typically treat for 5 or 6 months.
Your doctor is the only person who can tell you why he/she stopped you at 3
months. Likely it was because your skin cleared quickly and has nothing to do
with your back/shoulders/neck.

My doctor prescribed Accutane for me for only a course of 3 months. Any suggestions?

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