Hi,
The cost depends on whether you choose generics or branded isotretinoin. I have found that there are slightly better results when using the brands that are a little bit more expensive. The duration is based on your weight and it is a cumulative lifetime dose. That means if you decide to stop your medication midway, you continue where you left off when you restart your medication.
On average, my patients are on the tablet for about 9 months.
Acne prone skin occurs when the oil glands over-react to normal stimulli. I advise a few cardinal rules to follow before starting them on isotretinoin.
Your diet can influence how much your acne flares up. Caffeine (in coffee and tea) stimulates your oil glands. The more caffeine you take, the worse your flare-ups will be.
Exposure to extreme hot or cold environments means that blood flow to the skin increases. This will also cause your acne to flare up.
Taking excessively hot or spicy food or drinking alcohol, again, increases blood flow to the skin and can lead to flare ups.
Smoking impairs your healing and prolongs your recovery time post-acne flare-up.
