Is It True That Accutane Was Originally a Chemotherapy Drug? Is This a Bad Thing?

Question

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly. Isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics.  I am not aware of Accutane itself ever being a chemotherapy medication.
	I hope this helps.

Lana Long, MD · Answer

Accutane is the trade name for Isotretinoin, a Vitamin A derivitive.  It hads been FDA approved for cystic acne for at least 25 years.  It is a remarkable medication for the right  person, but does have a fair number of possible side effects.

	   It is occasionally used off-label for aggressive skin cancers, but I am not aware of it being used otherwise as a chemotherapy drug.

	   I would talk to a dermatologist to see if you are a good candidiate for the medication.  I hope this helps.  Lana Long, MD

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

Yes, Accutane has been used in the past as an anti-cancer medication. It has properties that destroy quickly replicating cells, which are often cancer cells. There are many more evolved medications for cancer now, so this isn't used very often anymore. Additionally, what matters is the dosage. When treating cancer, Accutane was given at extremely high dosages. Those high levels aren't used for treating acne patients.

Is It True That Accutane Was Originally a Chemotherapy Drug? Is This a Bad Thing?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

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

Is It True That Accutane Was Originally a Chemotherapy Drug? Is This a Bad Thing?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

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