How Long Does Accutane Take to Work?

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Don’t you know how long it will take to finish your course on Accutane therapy for acne? Accutane or isotretinoin is one of the best medications for cystic acne. But, with this medication, patients have to go through different side effects. Based on those effects, the medication period varies.

How long does Accutane take to work?

It generally takes around 8-12 weeks to see significant results on the skin after starting Accutane therapy. After the first 3 months, patients can see a great reduction in pimples. This period may vary depending upon the skin condition.

There are some more details that you should know about the Accutane treatment, including the period of its doses. To know them, go through this article.

How Long Does It Take for Accutane Treatment To End?

Usually, it takes around 6 months to complete the Accutane treatment. However, the results are visible in 2nd month of treatment. Here is a chart to clarify your knowledge regarding the results of Accutane.

Time Period	Results of Accutane Treatment
Week – 2	Skin may turn dry.
Week – 4	Accutane purging.
Week – (8-12)	Significant results, including acne reduction, clear skin, and oil gland shrinkage.
Week – (14-16)	No more acne formation and the skin is totally clear.
Week – 20	Anti-bacterial protection layer on the skin.
Week – 24	Completion of the treatment.

These results are not absolute. It may vary depending upon the skin condition and required doses for the patients. In this chart, we mentioned only the positive effects of the treatment. You may have different side effects based on your skin and treatment period.

[Attach the list of my previous articles here regarding the side effects of Accutane (Breast size, tired, affect period)]

Moreover, for some patients, the first course of treatment may not be successful. In that case, they may be required for the second course of Accutane treatment. To know more about the second course of this treatment, read our article on “What is the second course of Accutane success rate?” However, in rare cases, doctors suggest the third course of Accutane.

How Long Does Accutane Last in Your System?

As you know, the Accutane treatment will take around 6 months to complete. But its effects are prolonged. Once most patients complete the first course of treatment, the acne problem is solved forever. For some, the acne (especially hormonal acne) returns after 3-4 months of the treatment. However, Accutane is not the best medical option for hormonal acne.

What about the side effects? There are so many side effects of Accutane treatment. Some effects go away just after stopping the treatment. And some side effects remain for 1-2 weeks after the treatment. However, if any side effects remain for more than a month, consult with a doctor without any delay.

How Many Rounds of Accutane Can A Person Take?

Under a doctor’s supervision, an acne patient can take a maximum of 3 rounds of Accutane. In each subsequent course, the dose becomes higher.

Almost 80%-90% of patients achieve 100% results with Accutane in its 1st round. They don’t need to start any subsequent rounds. The rest, 10%-20% of patients, may need a second round of Accutane or any other medication. Here, the success rate is so high. However, for hormonal acne, you may require other medication like Spironolactone.

Is the third round of Accutane important? Yes, people with extremely oily skin may require a third round of treatment. Here, the dose becomes higher than in the second round. And after this medication, you have to maintain your skin properly. To learn about Post-Accutane skin care, read “How do I maintain My Skin After Accutane.“

What if the third round of Accutane failed? If the third round of Accutane fails, the doctor may prescribe you other medication like laser treatment, chemical peeling, etc.

How Long After Accutane Can You Get Pregnant?

The relationship between Accutane and pregnancy is deeply rooted. If you are already pregnant, then don’t start taking Accutane. It may cause severe internal injury to you and your baby. Most doctors prescribe to conceive after 1 month of the Accutane treatment completion.

According to a report by the FDA, women who are or could become pregnant must avoid using Accutane. If pregnancy happens while taking Accutane, even at small doses and for short terms, the chance of severe birth abnormalities is extremely significant. Potentially affected are all fetuses exposed during pregnancy. However, there is no reliable method for detecting whether or not a fetus that has been exposed has been harmed.

If you are taking Accutane, then don’t think about trying to conceive. It’s for your own good. Due to this medication, your body will become sensitive and prone to different diseases. Moreover, while undergoing treatment and for one month, your doctor will ask you to take specific measures to avoid becoming pregnant.

FAQs

How can I make Accutane work faster?

To make Accutane work faster, you should take it with a proper meal. If you take Accutane with food, it will be absorbed into your system at a much faster rate. The drug isotretinoin has high lipophilicity. The absorption rate was found to be 1.5-2 times higher in the fed (big meal containing 28 grams of fat) than in the fasting condition.

Can I skip a one-day dose of Accutane?

You should not skip a single dose of Accutane because it may slow the treatment and also cause difficulties. However, if you miss a dose, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. But, if it is almost time for the next dose, move on to the next scheduled dose. It is not a good idea to double up on your medications in case you forget one.

How long does Accutane usually take to clear skin?

Within 1 to 3 months of Accutane, you should notice an improvement in the clarity of your skin. As of the 4-month mark, Accutane will still be inhibiting new acne from forming. When your treatment is completed, after around six months, your skin will be clear and flawless.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you can understand how long it will take for Accutane to work. It takes 6 months to complete the treatment. But the results are noticeable from the second week. You will see the acne reduction after the 3rd week of the treatment. If everything goes fine, it will give you a permanent cure for acne. Otherwise, you may need a subsequent course. Let us know how it is going with your Accutane treatment. Wish you have acne-free clear skin.