Accutane questions

Bryan K. Chen, MD answers: What's allowed while taking Accutane?

I'm about to start Accutane treatment within the next month and just had a few questions:

1)Is alchol (in moderation) allowed while taking Accutane?

2) Does taking Accutane affect working out at the gym or running?

3) As part of my working out, I drink protein shakes which also contain vitamin A. Is it okay to continue protein shakes while taking Accutane?


Bryan K. Chen, MD
9 months ago

I advise against alcohol intake while on accutane, as accutane itself temporarily affects the liver function.  Consuming alcohol can exacerbate accutane's effects on the liver.

Accutane generally does not affect your ability to work-out.  A small proportion of patients though do complain of joint pain and muscle aches.  If you develop these symptoms, there is still no contraindication to working out, but you will probably want to limit your physical activity.

Discontinue all vitamin A supplementation (as well as all other prescription acne medications) while on Accutane, since accutane contains a molecule that is related to vitamin-A and can put you at greater risk for visual problems.

Good luck and sorry about the delayed response.

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