Is it dangerous to be on a lower-fat diet while taking accutane?

Question

I don't like eating a lot of fat, it makes me feel slugglish and gross, so I'm on a lower fat diet. I try to keep my fat intake to maybe 60% or 70% below the DV's recommended by the FDA. I've heard that accutane needs to be taken with fat for it to absorb. If you don't eat enough fat, is accutane dangerous to your body, or does it just not absorb as well? I've been eating 2-3 tbsp of peanut butter per day as my main fat source, taken with the pill - is this enough?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The average diet doesn't matter when taking isotretinoin.  The amount of fat you would need to eat to affect the drug is way too significant for you to worry about.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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

Just take Accutane with whatever meal is the largest for you - calories. This will be just fine. It has been proven that Accutane absorbs better with higher fat, but honestly, we've prescribed the drug for years without this basis and everyone did just fine. It's just recommended to take it with food, so choose to do that with your consistent most caloric meal. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

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Is it dangerous to be on a lower-fat diet while taking accutane?

Answers (2)

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