Isotretinoin Dermatologist in Boca Raton and Delray Beach
Enjoy beautiful, radiant skin.
Top Isotretinoin Questions from Patients
What is Isotretinoin?
What are the benefits of using Isotretinoin?
What are the expected side effects?
What happens if I can't tolerate my side effects?
How long will I be under treatment?
What is the iPLEDGE program and how does it work?
What if I miss my window to obtain my prescription?
What about contraception?
What bloodwork is required?
What can't I do on Isotretinoin?
What can I use on my face while I undergo treatment?
What about the scars?
Will I purge? Will Isotretinoin make my skin worse?
Can I drink alcohol while on medication?
What is Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is a prescription medication used for treating severe acne that is unresponsive to other treatments or at risk of causing scarring.
It works by decreasing oil production, which reduces sebum and pore blockage. This results in fewer acne breakouts and long-lasting benefits for the skin.
What are the benefits of using Isotretinoin?
Higher rate of clearance with long-term improvement.
The majority of patients do not require retreatment after completing therapy.
A small percentage of patients may need another course of treatment.
What are the expected side effects?
Dryness:
Lips: Use TAC 0.025% ointment, Dr. Dan’s Lip Balm, or Aquaphor.
Nosebleeds: Use saline spray, Aquaphor, or a humidifier.
Muscle aches: Typically improve during treatment.
Headaches: Stay hydrated.
Sun sensitivity: Use sunscreen, reapply frequently, and wear UV-protective clothing and hats.
Severe birth defects: Managed through contraception overseen by the iPLEDGE REMS program.
Less common:
Vision changes (e.g., night vision difficulties).
Paronychias (nail infections).
What happens if I can't tolerate my side effects?
Most side effects are dose-related. If side effects cannot be managed or tolerated:
The dose can be reduced to make the treatment more comfortable.
This may extend the treatment duration.
How long will I be under treatment?
Ideally, 6–7 months.
Treatment duration depends on clinical factors, including achieving clinical clearance for at least 2 months before discontinuing treatment.
A cumulative dose of at least 220 mg/kg is targeted for treatment efficacy.
What is the iPLEDGE program and how does it work?
The iPLEDGE program is an FDA-mandated program designed to prevent pregnancy during Isotretinoin treatment due to the risk of severe birth defects.
All healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients must register with the program.
Monthly appointments are required for all patients.
Female patients must take a pregnancy test monthly (via urine or blood) and complete questionnaire requirements before medication is dispensed.
What if I miss my window to obtain my prescription?
Female patients have a limited window to pick up their prescription from the pharmacy.
Missing the window requires a waiting period (usually 3–4 weeks) for another pregnancy test and iPLEDGE authorization.
What about contraception?
Female patients of childbearing potential must be abstinent or use two forms of contraception if sexually active.
Contraception should continue for at least one month after stopping treatment.
What bloodwork is required?
CBC, CMP, and lipid panels are checked at baseline, at the start of treatment, with dose increases, and as needed for abnormal results.
What can't I do on Isotretinoin?
Donate blood until 6 months after therapy ends.
Waxing.
Get pregnant.
What can I use on my face while I undergo treatment?
Use only:
Gentle cleansers.
Moisturizers.
Sunscreen.
Makeup (if needed).
Avoid:
Skincare with acids or exfoliants, as the skin is more sensitive due to decreased oil production.
What about the scars?
Acne scars are treated after completing treatment using techniques like microneedling.
Many patients see significant scar improvement by the end of their Isotretinoin course.
Will I purge? Will Isotretinoin make my skin worse?
Every patient responds differently.
While most patients do not experience worsening, some may go through a “purge” phase where acne temporarily worsens before improving.
This is normal and does not mean the treatment isn’t working.
Can I drink alcohol while on medication?
Isotretinoin is processed through the liver, as is alcohol. Excessive alcohol can strain the liver.
Occasional drinks are okay, but excessive drinking is discouraged.
Routine bloodwork will monitor liver health.
Dr. Channing Barnett Is a Princeton Trained Dermatologist and Acne Expert
Educated and trained at Princeton University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Columbia University Medical Center, Dr. Channing Barnett, M.D has been practicing since 2009. She is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology with particular expertise in dermatologic and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Channing Barnett believes in maintaining the healthiest skin possible by using minimally invasive procedures for maximum skin care results and long-term benefits. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Jay G. Barnett who practiced dermatology on the Upper East Side of New York City for 45+ years.
How Do We Approach Acne Treatment?
First, come in for an initial visit. We spend this time getting to know you and your unique skin care needs.
We recommend treatment options based on the specific cause and condition of your acne.
Through easy follow-up visits, we monitor how treatments are helping your skin over time.
Based on the progress of your acne, we will either continue with treatment or recommend alternative courses of action.
Acne FAQs
+ Q: What causes acne?
Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne.
+ Q: How much do acne treatments cost?
Prescription treatments are often covered by health insurance. Office-based treatments such as facials, chemical peeling and laser are considered cosmetic. Cosmetic treatment selection is unique to each person, depending on the type and severity of the acne.
+ Q: Are there different types of acne?
While all acne develops from the same cause, there are various forms of it. They range from blackheads and whiteheads to more moderate forms, such as pustules and papules, and to more severe forms, such as nodules and cysts.
+ Q: How can I prevent acne?
It is important to understand your skin type in order to properly care for it and prevent acne. Among other factors, face cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing routines that cater to your skin type can help prevent acne.