Accutane

[Radtech2009]

Hello, I am a 25 year old female who has struggled with break outs ever since I was a teenager...I was hoping as I got older it would go away...but unfortunately it hasn't and nothing I have tried has cleared up my skin! I was thinking about going on Accutane...but was wondering what my dosage should be.
I mainly get the deep cystic acne on my cheeks and jaw line! occasionally I'll get some on my forehead as well but it's mostly on my cheeks! The weird thing is...I'll get a bad break out on one cheek at a time!! and while the side which has a break out starts to heal...the other cheek flares up! I don't understand it!
I am a little nervous about accutane because of all the side effects,....but if it clears up my skin then it'll be worth it to me! So..I want the lowest dosage as possible but with good results.....so what do you think?

[RachelVaughn]

Im 25 and also have had acne since teenager. Accutane is most effective. Have you tried other medications first? Accutane side effects are real, however you do get use to them and if your healthy they are not as bad. I watched my brother on accutane and he told me it was so bad he would never go near it again. I'm on it now and I'm in my 6th month, side effects are livable. The derm wont prescribe it unless you have tried other methods first.

[RachelVaughn]

And... i wouldn't do low dose- less effective and you may need to be on it longer.

[loiloi]

Hi. Your dermatologist will tailor your Accutane dose according to your weight and severity of acne. The usual starting dose is 0.5mg per day X kg bodyweight, increased if necessary to a maximum of 1mg per day X kg bodyweight. So I weigh 40kg and started on 20mg increased after one month to 40mg per day. This is taken for 16-24 weeks.
If you cannot tolerate your recommended dose (due to side effects or if you have liver or kidney problems) a lower dose such as 10mg per day may be prescribed. However, as Rachel rightly says, a lower daily dose will result in a longer treatment time and a higher risk of failure or relapse.
Eloise.