Accutane Dose

[wmelanie]

Hi
I've been on Accutane for 1 month (40 mg/day).  Just recently, my face has gotten really dry, but when I went to the dermatologist yesterday, she bumped me up to 80 mg/day.  My acne really isn't that bad, they were even debating if I should go on accutane or not.  I have tried antibiotics and every topical lotion to help clear it up, but it has done nothing, so that's why they put me on it.  I was just looking and and I found that your supposed to be on 1mg/kg/day.  I am 120 lbs, so wouldn't the 80 mg and day be too much?  I was just wondering because I don't want the side effects to get a lot worse...
Thanks,
Melanie

[loiloi]

The dosage for accutane is tailored for each person by their dermatologist, taking their weight and severity of condition into consideration. It is usual to start on 0.5mg/kg/day then increase to 1mg/kg/day after 4 weeks. 120 lbs is 55kg so 80mg does seem a little high. Phone your dermatologist if you can or discuss this at your next check up to find out why he has decided this is a suitable dose for you. It may be that it is because you are tolerating the medication so well, as you say side effects are dose related. Most derms agree that it is the total amount of accutane you take that is important, eg that 40mg for 12 weeks works the same as 20mg for 24 weeks. I would not take less or more tablets than your dermatologist has recommend, but do contact him as soon as possible. Loiloi x