What do I need to know before starting isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin can be an incredibly effective method of getting your acne under control.

As with all forms of medication, it doesn’t come without its cautions, and being clued up before starting these tablets is a MUST!

What is isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin belongs to a class of medications known as retinoids related to vitamin A. The generic name for a medicine marketed by several companies is isotretinoin, although the original brand name was Roaccutane. It acts in a variety of ways, focusing on several of the elements that contribute to acne and other skin diseases, including the creation of sebum (an oily fluid produced by the skin) and the production of keratin (outer scales of skin), both of which obstruct the pores of the hair follicle and create acne.

What can isotretinoin help treat?

Whilst it is predominantly used to treat acne, isotretinoin can also be used occasionally to treat other skin conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa and rosacea.

Will this completely cure my acne?

A considerable majority of individuals (approximately 9 out of 10) notice a significant improvement in their acne after a single 16 to 24-week course of isotretinoin, while the acne may worsen during the first few weeks of treatment before it begins to improve.

Following isotretinoin, a small minority of patients continue to have moderate (albeit improved) acne that can be treated with traditional therapy such as antibiotics. Others may relapse after discontinuing isotretinoin treatment, necessitating a longer or second course of treatment.

What is the recommended dosage, and how long should I take it?

Your dermatologist will determine the quantity of isotretinoin required based on your body weight and recommend a beginning dose. The dose of isotretinoin may be adjusted at future appointments based on how well you tolerate the side effects and respond to the medicine. Most patients take 20 to 80 mg of isotretinoin daily, and treatment typically lasts 16 to 24 weeks. Treatment may extend longer than 24 weeks with dosages at the lower end of this range, which are frequently better tolerated. You may notice a visible difference within 8 weeks of beginning treatment

What do the results look like?

Book in for a consultation here

Contact us to book a consultation to discuss starting isotretinoin. We can set up a consultation to ensure this is the right treatment program for your requirements to receive the desired outcomes.