Accutane & Knee Pain?

Question

Hello, I've recently started running three times a week (I was inactive prior to this except for walking to/from school etc). For the past week or so I've had discomfort in my right knee. It's not there all the time and when I actually work out (run) it disappears and is replaced by a "warm" feeling. Could this be a side effect of accutane (i.e. "joint pain") and if so do I need to consult a physician about it or is it harmless? I'm going to take a break from running for a couple of days.

Cheryl Lee Eberting, MD · Answer

The effects of oral isotretinoin are cummulative. The side effects can be dose related. The knee pain you are experiencing might be more related to your increase in activity. If the pain does not subside, talk to you provider about your symptoms and adjusting your oral isotretinoin dose.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I believe the discomfort is just from the fact that you're being more active and your joints and muscles simply aren't used to it yet. People who take VERY high doses of Accutane (80-120mg daily) can experience some joint pain, but it does go away and it's not harmful. If you aren't on a dosage like this, my assumption is your body is getting used to more physical activity.

Accutane & Knee Pain?

Answers (2)