What's Allowed While Taking Accutane?

asked 3 years ago by gsvera2 in austin
Latest answer by Dina D. Strachan, MD
Question viewed 22,601 times
Tags: safety

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?

6 answers to What's Allowed While Taking Accutane?

You may need to change your routine while on Accutane

It sounds like you are going to have to make some adjustments while you are on Accutane: 1. avoid alcohol-- Accutane and alcohol both cause liver inflammation. It is not advisable to take both at the same time 2. While there is no restriction on working out, Accutane may cause muscle aches. Keep this in mind. 3. Avoid vitamin A while on Accutane. Accutane is a retinoid which is related to vitamin A. Taking Accutane is like taking megadoses of vitamin A in... more

Dina D. Strachan, MD
New York Dermatologist

Accutane and alcohol do not mix

Any amount of alcohol can place undued burden on the liver while on Accutane and thus is to be avoided. You should also try to minimize Tylenol and any nonessential herbal or health supplements. Your dermatologist should draw monthly bloodwork, at least for the first few months to assess your liver function tests.

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

What's allowed during a course of Accutane

One of Accutane side effects is that it can potentially affect the liver. Alcohol also affects the liver, so if a large amount of alcohol is consumed, there are two substances in the body concurrently affecting the same organ, which makes damage more likely. Therefore one should try to avoid alcohol while on Accutane. Another potential side effect is that Accutane can make your muscles more sore during workouts, so when starting Accutane, decrease the level of your... more

Emily Altman, MD
Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Be careful on Accutane!

Thank you for your questions. Here are the specific answers to your questions: 1. Alcohol intake is strongly discouraged while on Accutane. Accutane can cause liver damage and alcohol may increase the likelihood of this side effect. Practically speaking, however, a glass of wine or a single beer once a week or rarely, is fine, but drinking more or drinking more often is strongly discouraged and I would avoid it for the short time you are on Accutane. 2. Accutane does not affect your... more

Don Mehrabi, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologist

Careful on Accutane

I would not recommend any alcohol be taken during the time you are on Accutane. Accutane can cause an elevation in liver enzymes and I would not compound the problem with alcohol. Also, exercise would be fine but heavy exercise should be avoided. When I have placed athletes on Accutane I use a lower dosage and extend the period that the patient is on the drug..instead of 4 months I chose 6. The final result ( permanent clearing) depends on dosage not time frame. I had one patient, a... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Accutane questions

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... more

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

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