I'm going on holidays for 2 weeks, and plan on drinking and laying out in the sun. Will this affect accutane?

Question

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Please do not do either while on accutane, and if you do, please stop the medication for the time you are doing it.  Both can increase your skin of liver issues and sun burn/sensitivity.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Beth Ann Schulz-Butulis, DO, FAAD · Answer

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a medication that causes the skin to be extremely prone to sun burn.  It would not be advisable to be out in the sun without a hat, sunscreen, and sun protective clothing. Anyone taking isotretinoin should take extreme precaution when out in the sun to avoid painful sunburns on exposed skin.Because isotretinoin is metabolized by the liver, taking any other medications also metabolized by the liver (like tylenol, motrin) will stress/damage this organ.  Alcohol plus isotretinoin will increase the chance your liver enzymes will be elevated.  Because many dermatologists who write isotretinoin check labs every month, it is possible the enzymes would be elevated after any drinking binge. This elevation may prompt discontinuation of isotretinoin.  In summary, it would be advisable to avoid prolonged drinking of alcoholic beverages and prolonged sun exposure during treatment with isotretinoin.

Scott T. Guenthner, MD · Answer

Be careful. Alcohol and Accutane both being metabolized through the liver can increase the potential for damage to the liver. In addition, Accutane increases significantly the risk for sunburn. Using a sunscreen of at least an SPF 30 and reaaplying every 1.5 to two hours is extremely important.

I'm going on holidays for 2 weeks, and plan on drinking and laying out in the sun. Will this affect accutane?

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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I'm going on holidays for 2 weeks, and plan on drinking and laying out in the sun. Will this affect accutane?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.