If you’ve been dealing with acne for years and tried multiple treatments such as creams, lotions, oral antibiotics, contraceptive pill without any major improvement then Isotretinoin might be the right treatment for your acne. It might not cure it forever but certainly gives long term results and clears spots in most patients following this treatment.
You need to know that before starting treatment the doctor will ask several questions to see if it is suitable for you. Moreover, the doctor will advise on a set of blood tests before you start to make sure you don’t have health problems that contraindicate it. Also, blood tests will be repeated every 2 months. The course is for approximately 6 months but can vary depending on weight, tolerance, side effects, improvement. If you have a history of depression you might not be a good candidate for this treatment.
Expect to experience dryness! All patients on this treatment describe dry lips and dry skin and you should be generous with the amount of moisturiser and lip balm applied. More possible side effects include joint aches, muscle aches, low back pain, nose bleeding, dry eyes. Side effects are generally manageable, permitting continuation of treatment. Most importantly you must not take this medication if you are pregnant or plan to conceive. Pregnancy must be avoided at least 1 month after discontinuing treatment. Female patients are required to take a pregnancy test monthly.
This treatment is highly effective and improvement occurs continuously for several months after therapy. Some patients do require several courses during life time. 9 out of 10 patients see a significant improvement in their acne with a single course although during the first few weeks acne may worsen before it starts to clear.
If you would like to get rid of your acne, Isotretinoin might be your solution. Our doctor can discuss all aspects with you, answer your questions and get you started.