Severe back pain on Accutane. Should I just stop the Accutane or go to a lower dose?

Question

I'm a 28 year old female in the middle of my 3rd month on Accutane (first month: 40mg, second and third month: 60mg). So far the only side effect I've had is the dry lips and skin but last week I was just getting ready for bed and my back buckled, and I fell to the ground on my knees. Since then, I can't bend over and I'm in a lot of pain - it's been 5 days of this. I'm assuming it's the accutane because there's absolutely nothing else I can think of. My dermatology checkup is tomorrow.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a question that we
get asked often by our patients. The side effect is likely  accutane and usually this side effect happens at higher doses of accutane. I usually ask patients to come off the meds until they feel better and then restart the medication at 20mg and increase depending if the side effects recur again. If it is persistent or you are worried, set up a follow up
appointment with your dermatologist.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Peeling and Soret are used to treat and heal acne. The only problem is in combining these two treatments. I would suggest you not to undergo peeling while on Sotret. Once your skin is clear and you are done with Sotret, you can undergo mild peeling to improve your skin texture. Good luck!

Beth Ann Schulz-Butulis, DO, FAAD · Answer

Isotretinoin may definitely cause muscle pain and back pain.  It seems that my patients who run marathons or are otherwise athletic seem to have been bothered by this the most.  My marathon runner had to stop the medication in the months preceeding the big race day then restart after the race was completed. Some of the athletic patients have decreased dosage and this has helped.

Severe back pain on Accutane. Should I just stop the Accutane or go to a lower dose?

Answers (3)

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