I Have Ulcerative Colitis, is Accutane Safe for Me

Question

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

Accutane could potentially exacerbate your ulcerative colitis.  Although the link between inflammatory bowel disease and Accutane is still somewhat controversial, most prescribers of Accutane would probably recommend that you go with alternative acne medications.  You should also be aware that the tetracycline family of antibiotics (including doxycycline and minocycline) have also been associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Tobi B. Richman-Steinhardt, MD · Answer

Certainly the possibility exists that your ulcerative colitis would worsen if you take Accutane.  You should discuss this with your gastroenterologist, of course.  But your question leads to another one: how severe is your acne?  You may have many other alternatives to choose: topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide washes, and even tretinoin creams which would not bother your stomach.  In cases of more severe acne, maybe your dermatologist could suggest, and your gastro doc approve of, an oral antibiotic for a few months....sounds like your docs should have a chat about you!

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

Many of the lawsuits surrounding Accutane in the past years have dealt with patients who claimed Accutane gave them Ulcerative Colitis and/or Crohn's Disease. Even though most of the lawsuits were overturned in favor of the drug manufacturers, I would think that most physicians wouldn't prescribe Accutane for you if you already have this disease.

I Have Ulcerative Colitis, is Accutane Safe for Me

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I Have Ulcerative Colitis, is Accutane Safe for Me

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