An Introduction to Accutane Dosing
The dose of
Accutane® (
isotretinoin) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your acne
- Your weight
- How you respond to the drug.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
In most cases, the recommended dose of Accutane is 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kg of body weight (about 0.23 mg to 0.45 mg per pound) each day, divided into two daily doses. For adults with severe acne or acne limited mostly to the trunk of the body, a dose of 2 mg per kg (about 0.91 mg per pound) each day, divided into two daily doses, may be necessary. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose as necessary, especially if you develop bothersome
Accutane side effects.
Typically, Accutane is taken for 15 to 20 weeks. Your acne will continue to improve after you stop taking the medication. A second course may be recommended if your acne is still a problem eight weeks after finishing the first course.
You will not be able to get more than a 30-day supply of Accutane at a time. Each time you need more, you will need a new prescription and a new authorization from the iPLEDGE program (the program designed to prevent birth defects caused by Accutane). If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you will need to have a negative
pregnancy test every month (done by a laboratory) and must use two different forms of birth control.
