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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Accutane dosage information
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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Accutane dosage information
by Jason11, Aug 09, 2005 12:00AM
Great forum by the way. My question is this. I am a 26 year old male weighing 140lbs. I had a relatively minor acne in high school that was controlled with antibiotics. I went the next 8-9 years with minor breakouts that was controlled with topicals and antibiotics but my acne was never a major issue. If you asked people around me, they would say I have good skin. However, over the last year, I have been getting a cyst on my face once a month and a cyst or two on my back. I have been getting cortisone injections for these and use antibitoics sporadically. I noticed that one of the cysts left me with a small scar a few months ago, so I panicked and went on accutane. I have seen four dermatologists over the last year and they all say I am a borderline candidate. One of them thought I should do low dose therapy (20mg a day) but the dermatogloist my insurance covers think I should do a normal course (120mg/kg total dose). I have been on accutane for a week (at 20mg/day)and my face is almost completely clear..occasional white heads here and there but my skin looks good. However, I don't really like being on this drug and want to get off of it as soon as possible. I don't have any major side effects but don't like the dry lips and feel a little achy.
1) Can I stay on the low dose form if I see results or should I go for the full dose?
2) What is the shortest amount of time that I can stay on the medication and still see some benefit?
3) I have read that some doctors take their patients off the drug early if they have responded early. I know that a total dose of 120-150mg/kg is used for long term remission...but what if the patient has mild disease..like I had...Clear skin with the occasional cyst?
4) If I stopped this drug after 2-3 months on 20mg/day would the therapy have been a complete waste of time?
This is all strange for me because I have never had bad acne...I can usually cover it up and most people comment that I have nice skin..its just, I got nervous when I saw a small scar left from a prior cyst..and didn't want to worry about it going forward. Any advice you can offer about my particular situation will be much appreciated.
1) Can I stay on the low dose form if I see results or should I go for the full dose?
2) What is the shortest amount of time that I can stay on the medication and still see some benefit?
3) I have read that some doctors take their patients off the drug early if they have responded early. I know that a total dose of 120-150mg/kg is used for long term remission...but what if the patient has mild disease..like I had...Clear skin with the occasional cyst?
4) If I stopped this drug after 2-3 months on 20mg/day would the therapy have been a complete waste of time?
This is all strange for me because I have never had bad acne...I can usually cover it up and most people comment that I have nice skin..its just, I got nervous when I saw a small scar left from a prior cyst..and didn't want to worry about it going forward. Any advice you can offer about my particular situation will be much appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 09, 2005 12:00AM
, Aug 09, 2005 12:00AM
I agree that you're a borderline candidate. Still, as long as you're taking it, I think you should take the full course at the full dose, because that will give you the best chance of staying clear long-term. It's not such an intense treatment even at the full dose. The fact that you cleared up so fast doesn't mean the acne's gone.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
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I am an 18 year old who has suffered from acne sicne middle school. I have tried everything excecpt accutane. I started accutane on 8-12-05. It is now October. I have experienced chapped lips and dry face. The acne seems to stay the same. I weigh (165 lbs) and am pretty tall and very active. Although i workout oftern, I still shower at least 3 times a day and clean my face with clearisil. I live and south georgia where its very humid. I take (40) mg a day only ONCE. my appointment is friday. Should i try to get an increase to 80 mg since it hasn't gotton better or worse~thank God!
Thank You,
Patrick
P.S. I look foward to recieving e-mails from any Dr. or patient, mom, dad, etc. ~ anyone that has been though this before. my address is ***@****