Im on 80 mg Accutane for back acne, how long does it take to see results?

June 12th, 2011 by Carrie

Question: Im on 80 mg Accutane for back acne, how long does it take to see results?
I find that I think it is clearing and then it starts to flare again and I get so upset at work I just want to give up and feel like I’m going to break down

Has anyone else experienced this, or going through this now and is this normal?

Best answer:

Answer by The skin Centre
Acne vulgaris, while generally not a physically debilitating disease it can do plenty to undermine one’s self-esteem and can become a very massive emotional hurdle to overcome. In most cases over the counter drugs like benzoyl peroxide or some good soap and water will clear one’s skin up. But in the most severe or stubborn cases a drug titled Accutane might be needed. Even Though generally it is quite effective it often times has unwanted side effects such as sensitivity to the sun or extreme dryness of the skin. However there is a cure to this problem as well. Studies have shown that using a very low dose over a prolonged period of time is a good way to both clear up the skin while also relieving the side effects.

1. Consult a physician to see if Accutane is right for you. Normally they won’t prescribe this except for the most stubborn of cases and usually only after other things like antibiotics, or Retin-A have failed. If they do give it you the normal dosage is between 40-80 mg a day depending on your weight. Also the normal course of treatment is for approximately 3-4 months during which time you must get your blood tested regularly as the drug is very hard on your liver.

2. Go low dose. Some physicians would rather get the treatment out of the way over the course of 3-4 months. However the problem with this is that once the treatment stops it often comes back. Some studies show that a low dose of 10-20 mg once or twice a week over the course of a year can be as effective at getting rid of the acne without the unwanted side effects.

The Skin Centre
Dr. Sirisha Singh/ Mona Singh
C-47, South extension, Part-II,
New Delhi-110049
9810568669

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