Accutane Dosage and Length of Time - Dr. Nase

[clsykes00]

Dr. Nase,
I weigh 190lbs to 195lbs (or 86 to 89kg) and was wondering what dosage I should be taking 10mg or 20mg per day? I feel like I should be taking 15mg based on some of the calculations but that seems difficult to do since they dont make a 15mg pill. Also, should I be targeting 120mg/kg cumulative dosage, which will take 2 to 3 years at the above dosages?

I am also currently doing IPL, (5th tx tomorrow). How long should I wait til I go on accutane after my last IPL treatment? Trying to consider collegen generation and laser affectiveness.

Thanks,
Trey

[drnase]

Trey,

I would stick to 10 mgs for just 15 to 18months. The cumulative dose has more to do with permanent affects on sebaceous glands. You are trying to undo dermal inflammation, downregulate cell adhesion molecules (ICAMS) and get rid of neutrophils that are surrounding your blood vessels.

I would wait at least 3 months because the skin is still healing in some up until this time.

[clsykes00]

Thanks so much!

Since sebum production is a huge problem for me, should i try to permanently affect the sebaceous glands with cumulative doses? I would rank this problem very high on my total list of problems.

I can't thank you enough Dr. Nase!

Best,
Trey

[drnase]

Trey,

Then you would take it out to the cumulative dose. Good question

[newboy102030]

Dr Nase,

Can you clear something up for me, is safe to use Clarithromycin (twice daily) while currently taking 10mg Accutane daily? I have seen some comments indicating this is not safe, I had started too do this (one week into Clarithromycin) and seen improvment - I've now stopped and I'm getting a lot of burning on my cheeks daily, currently i'm just taking the Accutane and moxonidine.

Is it safe and wise to use both at the same time?

Thanks,

Dave

[snwbdrloco84]

Did the same doctor prescribe both of these drugs to you and mean for you to take them at the same time? Personally, I would take the Clarithromycin first to quickly knock down the inflammation and then go on the low dose of accutane. This would probably be your best bet. What derm or physician are you seeing? Your lucky you got your hands on both of these drugs.

Ray

[newboy102030]

Hi,

This is where there could be a problem, the Clarithromycin was prescribed by my GP but I got the accutane off the net. I only took the Clarithromycin for a week before stopping it before a couple of folks said the 2 should not be taken at the same time - I have been on accutane for 2.5 months but I still get the burning.

Should I stop the accutane, complete the Clarithromycin course and then go back on the accutane or I am best to complete the accutane for 6 months and then try Clarithromycin??

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave