Moderate to severe joint pain while on accutane- is it permanent?

Question

I've been on accutane for 6 weeks at 60mg/day (112 lbs, 22y/o female). After the first month I only had lip and nose dryness. Now I am having moderate-severe joint pain and it's causing problems. My knees are in a lot of pain along with my middle-upper thoracic spine. I have never had a problem with my bones/joints before, and no trauma occurred. I'm willing to deal with the pain for now, but only if it's not permanent. So- is joint pain caused by accutane, and is it permanent? Thank you :)

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

I prefer to prescribe low doses of Accutane so that my patients stick with the regimen. I'd rather have people on the meds longer with lower doses than have to deal with side effects. If you are uncomfortable, talk to your prescribing derm about lowering your dosage. Ultimately it will mean you're on the regimen longer because it's necessary to get to a cumulative total dose. But most of the time people are happier to have less side effects and lower doses. Best to talk to your prescribing derm about your situation. The pain isn't permanent and will occur while the meds are in your system only. "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."

Moderate to severe joint pain while on accutane- is it permanent?

Answers (1)