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Should I Take Isotretinoin For Recurring Acne?
Good Afternoon Doctor.
Well, I suffered and still suffering from acne. My doctor prescribed Isotretinoin for a period of 6 months as the acne was severe. After the treatment, my acne had completely gone. It's been about 6 months I stopped Isotretinoin and acne has started reappearing. So can I take Isotretinoin once again?
Thank you.
Well, I suffered and still suffering from acne. My doctor prescribed Isotretinoin for a period of 6 months as the acne was severe. After the treatment, my acne had completely gone. It's been about 6 months I stopped Isotretinoin and acne has started reappearing. So can I take Isotretinoin once again?
Thank you.
Mon, 9 Jun 2014
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic
Acne can relapse after treatment, specially if you have had severe acne and acne involving the trunk (back and chest)
Approximately 2/3rd of acne patients never have a relapse after taking a full course of isotretinoin amounting to a total dose of 120-140mg/kg. However, still approximately 1/3rd of acne patients can relapse.
In those who relapse the severity of acne may not warrant the need for treatment with Isotretinoin. They can be managed with oral antibiotics like either Doxycycline or Azithromycin along with topical antibacterials like clindamycin gel / topical benzoyl operoxide gel and topical retinoids. However, they can be restarted on Isotretinoin if the severity of acne warrants. Some patients may need 2 -3 courses of acne.
I would suggest that you seek an appointment with your dermatologist and have a proper discussion whether your acne is severe enough to warrant a repeat course of Isotreitnoin or not.
Moreover, patients on Isotretinoin need to be monitored for liver functions and serum lipid profile, therefore your doctor may need to perform a check for any abnormality in liver function and lipid profile before restarting isotretinoin.
Regards
Acne can relapse after treatment, specially if you have had severe acne and acne involving the trunk (back and chest)
Approximately 2/3rd of acne patients never have a relapse after taking a full course of isotretinoin amounting to a total dose of 120-140mg/kg. However, still approximately 1/3rd of acne patients can relapse.
In those who relapse the severity of acne may not warrant the need for treatment with Isotretinoin. They can be managed with oral antibiotics like either Doxycycline or Azithromycin along with topical antibacterials like clindamycin gel / topical benzoyl operoxide gel and topical retinoids. However, they can be restarted on Isotretinoin if the severity of acne warrants. Some patients may need 2 -3 courses of acne.
I would suggest that you seek an appointment with your dermatologist and have a proper discussion whether your acne is severe enough to warrant a repeat course of Isotreitnoin or not.
Moreover, patients on Isotretinoin need to be monitored for liver functions and serum lipid profile, therefore your doctor may need to perform a check for any abnormality in liver function and lipid profile before restarting isotretinoin.
Regards
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