Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 10/25/2009

Question
Hello,
I've noticed in other questions you've talked about Solodyn to help with acne. First of all I wanted to know how long do you typically need to take the Solodyn for? (from what I understand it is 3 months). Second, is it really safe to take an antibiotic, such as solodyn, for an extended period of time?
Thanks

Answer
When I place patients on Solodyn, I have them come back to the office in 6-8 weeks.  If the acne is not improved then the patient needs another antibiotic or something stronger like Accutane.  The problem with some patients is that if you go off of the antibiotic the acne comes back.  Thus, they either will have continued acne or they will have to be on antibiotics for longer periods of time.  If a patient needs an antibiotic for more than 9 months, I always get blood work to make sure the antibiotic has not caused an systemic issues ie inflammation of the liver or low blood count.