You raise good issues. One thing to remember about Accutane is that the molecule is almost identical to the Vitamin A molecule. Please don’t try treating yourself with megadose Vitamin A though, you’ll make yourself very sick.

The side effects of Accutane are scary when you read about them, but as long as the FDA guidelines are followed to the letter, and you do this through the official IPledge program, you will be quite safe. My practice has not had a significant complication in 20 years following these guidelines to the letter. The side effects that are common, like feeling dry, are similiar to those of a mild Vitamin A overdose. Studies show that you will do best if you take it for 6 months at a dose of approximately 1 mg/kg of lean body weight.

If you have serious acne, in my opinion, it’s worth the slight risk when you weigh the psychological toll of more serious acne against it. And, you’re correct, you’ve done everything you can naturally, you just got dealt a tough genetic card on this one. Good luck!

Dr. Irwin