Based on decades of experience, we have found that the optimal cumulative dose for a primary course treatment therapy is 120mg/kg of body weight. For example, a 65kg (10.2 stone) patient will be prescribed a TOTAL of 7,800mg of medication over a 6 month course of treatment (65kg x 120mg). This dose achieves the best outcome for long term benefits from the course of treatment. Many private dermatology clinics and the NHS under dose patients, which is a false economy. Doing so is a disservice to the patient, who must endure a course of treatment with side effects and lifestyle restrictions, without the long term benefit.

Yes, low dose/long duration packages of treatment are possible. Typically, these involve a bespoke dose (e.g. 10mg/day, 20mg/day, etc.) over a longer period of time (9 – 12 months or more). Such courses of treatment may be appropriate for patients who have already successfully gone through a primary course of conventional Isotretinoin therapy, have had some recurrence of acne, and wish to manage oil production with more of a light touch. A quotation can be provided upon consultation.

Your dose is assessed at every check-up with the doctor. It may be increased, decreased or maintained at the same level depending on your cumulative dose to date, blood test results and how you are coping with side-effects. We aim to get patients through the course of treatment as quickly as possible while striking a balance between speed and lifestyle impact.

If you struggle with the side-effects, by all means contact us and the doctor will usually advise to either reduce the dose or pause the medication for a week or more. This will extend your treatment slightly, but there is no additional charge to pause for a short time due to side effects – we will still get you to the target cumulative dose of 120mg/kg.