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Is It Safe To Stop Using Accutane Prematurely?
Hi My 22 year old son has been on accutane since January and has one month left of his script would it be safe for him to cease this as he is going away next month and there will be alot of swimming and sunshine. His skin is amazing and looks fabulous now.
Mon, 30 Dec 2013
Hi. Thanks for posting your concern at HCM.
Accutane is one of the best drugs for acne.
In a 60kg adult, a complete course means a total dose of 120-140mg/kg of Accutane which come out to be 10 -12 months if you are taking a 20mg capsule once daily.
Studies have shown a higher incidence of relapse of acne in those who take less than the recommended dose of Accutane.
In my practice i also find that some patients respond very early and it seems unnecessary to continue for the full course of 10-12 months given that it has side effects like lipid abnormalities, liver function abnormalities etc. Therefore if the patient has been clear for a considerable amount of time while on Accutane it is better to stop rather than give the full course.
Of course in patients with severe acne, acne on both face and trunk (high chances of relapse) & patients who present with relapse of acne, should be given a complete course of Accutane.
Therefore it all depends on the judgement of the treating doctor, when to stop Accutane?
I would advice you to consult your treating dermatologist keeping all these points in mind.
take care
regards
Accutane is one of the best drugs for acne.
In a 60kg adult, a complete course means a total dose of 120-140mg/kg of Accutane which come out to be 10 -12 months if you are taking a 20mg capsule once daily.
Studies have shown a higher incidence of relapse of acne in those who take less than the recommended dose of Accutane.
In my practice i also find that some patients respond very early and it seems unnecessary to continue for the full course of 10-12 months given that it has side effects like lipid abnormalities, liver function abnormalities etc. Therefore if the patient has been clear for a considerable amount of time while on Accutane it is better to stop rather than give the full course.
Of course in patients with severe acne, acne on both face and trunk (high chances of relapse) & patients who present with relapse of acne, should be given a complete course of Accutane.
Therefore it all depends on the judgement of the treating doctor, when to stop Accutane?
I would advice you to consult your treating dermatologist keeping all these points in mind.
take care
regards
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