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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Methotrexate Injections And Accutane Adequate To Treat Cystic Acne?

Hi there I have been on weekly methotrexate injections of 15mg for over two years. I have recently been prescribed a 6mth course of accutane by my dermatologist for cystic acne. After one month on the two medications I got back very high liver results from my blood tests, my ast and asl levels were at 301 and 206. I have been taken off both meds for two weeks and then if test show the liver results are normal again, they want to start the accutane course alone without methotrexate. Would it have been the combination of the two drugs that made the liver results so high? I don't drink alcohol at all. What advice would you give me?
Tue, 25 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
As you said you said you were on methotrexate for 2 years and also accutane.You did not mention what was the indication for use of methotrexate.Methotrexate is associated with increase in liver function tests in some patients.As accutane for acne is also associated with disturbed liver function that's why your tests show increase in ast and alt.
Accutane though shows some side effects but it is very effective treatment for cystic acne.You can continue that under the guidance of your doctor as most of the side effects are there only when during treatment.It is strictly prohibited in pregnant ladies.
Hope this helps.
Thank you.
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Are Methotrexate Injections And Accutane Adequate To Treat Cystic Acne?

Hello, As you said you said you were on methotrexate for 2 years and also accutane.You did not mention what was the indication for use of methotrexate.Methotrexate is associated with increase in liver function tests in some patients.As accutane for acne is also associated with disturbed liver function that s why your tests show increase in ast and alt. Accutane though shows some side effects but it is very effective treatment for cystic acne.You can continue that under the guidance of your doctor as most of the side effects are there only when during treatment.It is strictly prohibited in pregnant ladies. Hope this helps. Thank you.