Your dose is assessed at every check-up with the doctor. It may be increased, decreased or maintained at the same level depending on your cumulative dose to date, blood test results and how you are coping with side-effects. We aim to get patients through the course of treatment as quickly as possible while striking a balance between speed and lifestyle impact.

If you struggle with the side-effects, by all means contact us and the doctor will usually advise to either reduce the dose or pause the medication for a week or more. This will extend your treatment slightly, but there is no additional charge to pause for a short time due to side effects – we will still get you to the target cumulative dose of 120mg/kg.

You should discontinue any other oral or topical acne treatments you have been using once you start advanced acne medication. This includes Duac and other topical benzoyl peroxide products. You should also stop antibiotics such as Lymecycline at least 1 week prior to starting advanced acne medication. If you need to take antibiotics for an infection (as opposed to acne treatment), you must inform us and we will advise the best steps to take.

A ‘purge’ during the first 4 – 6 weeks is normal, so your acne will get worse before it gets better. Most patients start to see the real benefits from about month 2 – month 3 under care. The patient’s genetics, lifestyle and severity of acne all play a factor in how quickly you see results.

Do eat a healthy diet low in fat. Do apply an SPF50 at least 4 times/day, avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a hat. Do use a dual contraceptive if you could become pregnant. Do use plenty of moisturiser (specific advice will be given in your welcome pack).

Don’t become pregnant. Don’t consume more than 2 units of alcohol (and then only on special occasions). Don’t have laser treatment, dermabrasion, elective dental treatment, dermal fillers or tattoos during treatment and for several months after finishing Isotretinoin therapy. Don’t take Vitamin A and certain antibiotics.

There have been reports of psychiatric side effects associated with advanced acne medication, but these have been rare (i.e. affecting 1 patient for every 1,000 – 10,000 patients treated). It is also commonly acknowledged however, that having severe acne also causes psychiatric disorders. Because of this potential side effect the patient’s mood is carefully monitored during treatment. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) carried out a review of psychiatric reactions in 2014. The review considered all available evidence from published literature and individual case reports. See the Review of isotretinoin and psychiatric adverse reactions.

During the first month, it is quite normal to experience what is known as a ‘purge’. This is where the active ingredients in the medication cause your skin to turn over faster. During this process, the skin sheds faster and fresh, clear skin from beneath comes to the top. But along with fresh, clear skin comes all of the junk that was clogging pores like oil, dead skin cells and more. Pimples like milia, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, cysts and nodules can arise. Don’t worry, it is just a sign that the medication is working and you’re already on your way to clearer skin!

It is safe to take most supplements (e.g. Zinc, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Omega 3, Omega 6, etc.). However, it is not safe to take Vitamin A, so you should stop that before starting your treatment.