How many times can you go on Accutane?

Doctor's Answers 1

Accutane or isotretinoin is a very good treatment for acne. Isotretinoin treatment generally has a lower relapse risk compared with other treatments like oral antibiotics. However, many patients do still relapse after a course of oral isotretinoin.

It is usually safe to go for repeated course of isotretinoin if acne recurs or relapses. It is important to continue close monitoring and repeated blood tests to check on the liver function test and lipids level may be required. Women on isotretinoin should continue to strictly avoid getting pregnant while on the medication.

If an individual's acne relapses frequently on discontinuation of isotretinoin, maintaining on a low dose of isotretinoin can be considered.

It is best to discuss the use of isotretinoin with your doctor or dermatologist.

Similar Questions

Can I undergo fractional C02 or Infini treatment while on low dose Isotretinoin?

Sorry to hear that you are suffering from acne scars. Low dose isotretinoin (Accutane) is increasingly being used for acne. Many patients on isotretinoin also have scarring from previous acne. It is best to start scarring treatment early, but there remains some concern with abnormal scarring while on isotretinoin. Can you undergo fractional CO2 or Infini treatment while on low dose Isotretinoin? It is safe to proceed with fractional CO2 laser or radiofrequency microneedling while on low dose Isotretinoin.

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Answered By

Dr Wan Chee Kwang

Aesthetic

Is high dose Accutane more effective in preventing acne relapse?

If your current dosing regime of 10 mg of isotretinoin on alternate days is working well, there is no need for a higher dose of Accutane. Higher doses of Accutane are associated with more side-effects such as dryness of mucous membranes (eg lips and eyes). There is also a possibility of your liver function and cholesterol levels being affected. I understand that you are interested to prevent an acne relapse. I recommend that you continue at your current dosage of isotretinoin especially if it gives you results without major complications. Hope that this helps!

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