Roaccutane Consultation (first visit)
Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is a highly effective treatment for patients with acne when other treatments have failed or if there is a risk of permanent scarring.
It can be prescribed by a suitably experienced doctor after a thorough assessment including discussion of treatment history, possible side effects, psychological evaluation, pregnancy risks and relevant blood testing.
The British Association of Dermatologists has an excellent isotretinoin patient guide which should be read by all patients considering this treatment.
How long does treatment take?
A full course usually takes between 5-9 months.
Can Roaccutane cause depression?
We know that people with acne are more likely to have anxiety and depression than people without acne. This is the case whether they are taking Roaccutane or not. One of the main reasons for this is that acne and acne scars affect self-esteem and self-confidence. This can lead to low mood, especially in younger people.
There have been several studies showing that Roaccutane can improve negative mood changes caused by acne. Where isotretinoin helps to improve acne, this can have a positive impact on someone’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has an information page for further details on Roaccutane and mental health.
Roaccutane Consultation (follow up visit)
Review appointments are usually monthly to adjust doses, monitor and manage side effects, monitor blood results and to facilitate pregnancy testing for all patients capable of pregnancy.
About
- Dr. Flanagan is a GP with an Extended Role in Dermatology (GPwER). He is qualified in diagnosing benign skin lesions and trained to detect early signs of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions.
Qualifications:
- Course Director – Dermatology in Practice Certificate, Irish College of GPs 2025/2026
- Programme Director – Safe Prescribing of Isotretinoin in Primary Care, Irish College of GPs 2026
- Acne Masterclass Course, St John’s Dermatology Academy 2025
- Primary Care Surgical Association Autumn meeting, Kilkenny 2025
- EADV Congress, Paris Sept 2025
- International Short Course in Dermoscopy, Graz, Austria 2025
- Irish Association of Dermatologists spring meeting, Belfast 2025
- Primary Care Dermatology Society of Ireland (PCDSI) annual meeting, Killarney 2025
- Module Speaker – Management of Eczema and Dermatitis – Dermatology in Practice Certificate ICGP 2025
- GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) meeting, York 2025
- Primary Care Surgical Association winter meeting, Dublin 2024
- Irish Association of Dermatologists autumn meeting, Dundalk 2024
- EADV Congress, Amsterdam Sept 2024
- British Association of Dermatologists updates in acne and isotretinoin prescribing course Sept 2024
- NB Medical Hot Topics Dermatology for Primary Care meeting Sept 2024
- Irish Association of Dermatologists spring meeting, Kildare 2024
- Primary Care Dermatology Society of Ireland annual meeting, Galway 2024
- Dermatology in Practice Certificate ICGP 2024
- Completion of Specialist Training in General Practice, MICGP 2024
- Advanced Dermoscopy course, Primary Care Dermatology Society UK 2023
- Irish Association of Dermatologists autumn meeting, Athlone 2023
- Primary Care Dermatology Society UK annual meeting, London 2023
- Primary Care Dermatology Society of Ireland annual meeting, Kilkenny 2023
- One-year special interest placement in Beaumont Hospital Dermatology Department 2023-2024
- ICGP Improvers and Advanced Dermoscopy course 2021
- St John’s Derm Academy Common Dermatological Diseases course 2021
Memberships:
- Primary Care Dermatology Society of Ireland PCDSI – Committee member 2025/26
- Primary Care Surgical Association of Ireland PCSA
- International Dermoscopy Society
- European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology – International Associate Member
- Member of Irish College of General Practitioners MICGP