2 replies to this topic

[nonincriminating]

I'm a 22 y/o male on my second go-around with Accutane. The first time I took it--about two years ago--I stopped after 5 1/2 months, even though my dermatologist told me to remain on it for an additional three months. Well, my acne later returned, and I paid for that act of rebellion, I suppose. But I started my second Accutane cycle two weeks ago, and again the dermatologist (the same one) is saying my treatment will last for 8 to 10 months.

Why is this? Most things I read elsewhere say Accutane treatments should last 15 to 20 weeks. Even the official Accutane website says that. So what's the deal? Is it normal for Accutane treatments to take as long as mine will? Is it potentially dangerous, from a health standpoint, to remain on Accutane that long? One reason the treatment takes so long with my dermatologist, I think, is that he raises the dosage in tiny increments. For example, I have been on 10 mg for two weeks. Next I will go on 20mg for two weeks, then 30, et cetera, until I reach my target dose of 80mg.

Is it normal to progress in such tiny steps? I've read about other people starting on 40 mg, then jumping from there to 80 mg. Why must my treatment be so torturously protracted? Or is my treatment duration actually normal?

[JR86]

9 months should be fine, it isn't unheard of. i was on for only 6.5 months about, but i know people who were on it longer than me.

[CalmCoolShot]

It's not normal to take the course in such tiny steps, but you're making up for it by using it for 9 months. No worries.