Hey everyone,
I started my accutane adventure on the 19th June, so today I have just finished my 16th week. I weigh 140lbs and I took 30mg for the first four weeks and 40mg for the following twelve.
I last saw my dermatologist on the 11th September (twelve weeks into the course) and, seeing as she knew I was moving to Spain on the 17th, she prescribed me eight more weeks but told me to 'stop when I was ready, which could only take four weeks but could take six or even eight'.
Great.
So those vague instructions have left me in a bit of a pickle. I'm more or less completely clear now. Still sporting a few unpleasant dark marks and I'm a bit red as a result of the accutane; the only remaining 'active' acne I have left is a small lump under my skin which has been there for the past week or so and is slowly diminishing.
My question is: am I ready to stop taking the drug now, or should I continue for a further couple of weeks?
I don't want to do anything to jeopardise the treatment but I'm also desperate to stop asap because I'm struggling to make friends here being unable to drink and unable to sunbathe. I just wish I'd asked my derm if normal protocol is to be completely clear before you stop!
Someone please show me the light
You should be completely clear before you stop. Not reaching total clarity is highly correlated with relapse (your acne coming back). Most derms will recommend that you:
a) Are completely clear for at least 2 months before stopping.
b) Have reached a cumulative dose of 120-150 mg/kg. (Just add up the mg you've taken and divide by your weight).
If you have been clear for a while and have reached your cumulative dose, you should be fine to stop.
Best of luck.