{"id":34837,"date":"2025-09-02T09:00:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T09:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/?p=34837"},"modified":"2025-09-02T23:26:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T23:26:58","slug":"is-microdosing-accutane-effective","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/?p=34837","title":{"rendered":"Is \u2018Microdosing\u2019 Accutane Effective?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Q: My teen has bad acne and wants to try Accutane. I\u2019ve heard that some people are \u201cmicrodosing\u201d the drug to reduce the side effects. Does that work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

When teens (and adults) have severe, painful acne that causes scarring, makes them feel self-conscious and is resistant to other treatments, dermatologists often prescribe isotretinoin, an oral medication commonly known by the brand name Accutane.<\/p>\n

Isotretinoin works by shrinking the skin\u2019s oil glands and keeping skin cells from clumping, both of which can clog pores, said Dr. John Barbieri, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. It may also lower inflammation that causes redness, swelling and pain.<\/p>\n

Most people who take isotretinoin enjoy clear skin for the long term, Dr. Barbieri said. But the drug\u2019s side effects can be distressing and sometimes severe. These can include dry skin, lips and eyes; nosebleeds; headaches; muscle aches; joint pain; depression; irritability; and high cholesterol. In some cases, Dr. Barbieri said, acne may return.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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For those who have had side effects (or worry about them), or if their acne has returned after treatment, dermatologists may prescribe lower doses of isotretinoin, often referred to as \u201cmicrodosing<\/a>,\u201d said Dr. Sara Perkins, an associate professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.<\/p>\n