Accutane

I have been on Accutane 40mg twice a day for almost 3 months.  I have seen no improvement in the acne.  I have some patchy dryness but for the most part I am still shiny from all the oil.  I have been cleaning my face with Cetaphil cleanser.  The acne that I do get is large, inflammed, tender and almost blister-like.  Sometimes my face actually hurts.  Most things I have read on the internet have accutane working in less time than I have seen.  Will it work for me?  Are there any other suggestions on how I can spped up the process?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Michelle:

You've been reading the wrong stuff.  Whenever I start a patient on Accutane, the first thing I tell them is that, wonderful as Accutane is, it doesn't start to work for 2 months at least, and many don't clear up until the very ened of treatment, and that they should not get discouraged by the slowness of response, because the medicine is virtually certain to work.  Hang in there!  Nothing to do but wait a bit longer.

Best.

Dr. R

[PATTY]

My son, 17 years old, has been treated by a pediatrician and now a dermatologist for his acne since he was 13 years old.  He would like to use Acutane but the dermatologist says he must give up all sports for four months.  He is a Varsity Soccer player at his high school and hopes to play college soccer.  Since he plays this sport all year round, giving up soccer would not be convenient.  Is this really necessary to give up sports or should I take him to another dermatologist?  He is very frustrated about his acne, yet I do not want to have him taking harmful drugs.  I appreciate any advice.

[Michelle]

Patty:

Being on Accutane for almost three months now, I am not sure why he would have to give up sports. I had muscle aches for about the first two weeks of treatment but since then I have felt fine.  I am just wondering why he would have to give up sports?  What was the reasoning?   I would Check with someone else!!

[lisa]

Dear Dr R
I am 19 years old and have been on 65mg of auctane for the past 7 months and althought there has been some improvement I am still not clear. For the first few months of the treatment i was taking herberal remendies and acupuncture. Would this have any affect .

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Lisa:

Accutane treatment should last 4-5 months, not 7.  Herbal treatments should have no affect.  You need to have your doctor evaluate what is going on, and to stop the Accutane, in all likelihood.  If you squeeze your pimples, please stop.

Dr. R

[jo ann]

I just completed a 7-month course of accutane.  Even after only being off accutane since February 9, I have had two episodes of what looks like a heat rash on my face--red spots that almost look like mosquito bites and go away in a day or two but then others are continually also appearing.  I know this has to be related to accutane.  What is it?  Will it stop soon?  I'm so discouraged.  I spent 7 months on accutane (which was no picnic) and now I'm having to put up with this.  I also have a sun sensitivity.  How long will that last?  Summer is almost here and I'm concerned about that as well. I truly appreciate your help.

[Jason]

I also have the red mosquito bumps that appear on my face sometimes and they itch and they raise, ive been off of acutane for almost a year now, but i still get them

[stephen]

i am a 20 years old, and was just put on accutane.  I have never had bad acne, infact my doctor said that I was very mild.  However, I will be 21 in october and do not want to have to deal with it anymore.  I was wondering if everybody gets worse before they get better, or if it is different for every individual.

[Ellen]

I once heard that there may be problems with accutane affecting
fertility. 6 years ago I took accutane for about six months to
treat cystic acne. The treatment was very beneficial,but now I
have been trying to get pregnant and no luck. Could there be a
link?

[Donna Andrews]

Is there  anything I can do about my ACNE and under eye circles?It is getting bad.

[Kristi]

I am 28 and have fairly bad acne since I was about 14.  I tried all of the over-the-counter remedies and nothing worked.  I was a few prescriptions for awhile to no avail.  I recently started the Clinique acne regimen that consists of an anti-bacterial cleanser, a toner and a gel and I haven't had a pimple in months!  This is the first time this has ever happened for me!  You may want to try it.

[chris3478]

A related discussion, acne was started.

[chris3478]

A related discussion, Accutane was started.