Combining Accutane and Alcohol?

Question

Is it OK to combine Accutane and alcohol? Would drinking alcohol while on Accutane make it not work or affect the results?

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Oppenheim, that the risk of liver toxicity is increased with the combination of Accutane and alcohol intake.  While on Accutane, it is important to minimize your alcohol intake or preferably, avoid drinking alcohol completely.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

Accutane and alcohol both can cause liver inflammation.  It is best to avoid combining them.  An occasional drink probably won't hurt you but it is best to avoid alcohol while you are on this medication.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

It would not affect the results. As far as I know there would not be an efficacy issue.
 However, Accutane may cause an elevation in liver enzymes and the combination with a known hepatic toxic entity could be dangerous.
  When we do blood work we are monitoring two things: triglycerides and liver enzymes ( some physicians might also monitor CBC's and CPK (for muscle injury in addition). Thus, we do place importance on this. I study, about two years ago, was somewhat reassuring in that it showed hepatic insult from Accutane was a little less common than we thought.
   Frequently, when bringing up the possibility of placing one of my patients on Accutane, a parent questions me about possible liver damage. I can say, I only had one patient with a significant liver enzyme elevation. However, I it was my feeling that she was an alcoholic. ( After stopping her Accutane, I never saw her again...thus I  never had the opportunity to ask...it is just something any physician who has spent time practicing in a city or VA hospital can sense.)
    Thus, while alcohol should not inhibit the positive effect of Accutane, drinking should be held to an absolute minimum.

Combining Accutane and Alcohol?

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Combining Accutane and Alcohol?

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