Accutane therapy can have side effects related to the liver, and combining it with alcohol could increase the chances of dangerous side effects. High triglycerides, which can be a result of Accutane use, can lead to pancreatitis, and this risk is significantly increased when combined with alcohol. Individuals are urged to consult their healthcare provider promptly if they experience symptoms of liver damage while taking isotretinoin. Accutane has been linked to potential mental health side effects, including a rise in depressive symptoms.
Medical Disclaimer
And let’s be honest—once drinking starts, it can be really hard to stop at just one. Whether it’s peer pressure, social events, or just losing track, sticking to strict limits can be tough in real-life situations. Accutane can raise your triglyceride and cholesterol levels—about 1 in 4 people taking it may experience this.
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- About 15% of people on Accutane show higher liver enzyme levels, which means the liver is working harder than normal.
- On the other hand, if your lab results show even mild abnormalities, or if you experience side effects that could be worsened by alcohol, it’s likely he will advise you to abstain from alcohol completely.
- Combining alcohol with isotretinoin and the risk of sudden night blindness can increase the likelihood of getting into a car accident.
- Learn more about Accutane, how it works, medication safety, and why you should avoid mixing Accutane with alcohol or other substances.
However, Accutane may interfere with this process, potentially leading to decreased energy levels and heightened depressive symptoms. Besides, early in treatment, some people experience what’s known as the “Accutane purge”—a temporary worsening of acne as your skin adjusts. Alcohol is inflammatory and dehydrating, which may make this purge phase more intense.
Use this time to focus on how your skin, mood, and confidence are improving. Remind yourself that you’re investing in long-term health and clearer skin—and that temporary sacrifices are worth the payoff. Plan beach bonfires, movie nights, hikes, bowling, escape rooms, laser tag, mini golf, skating, or going to a comedy show are all great group activities that don’t center around drinking. There’s a good reason that medical experts recommend abstaining from alcohol altogether while taking Accutane. Researchers estimate that Accutane remains in the body for over a week after a single dose.
- When consumed together, they can strain the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or impairment.
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- Plan beach bonfires, movie nights, hikes, bowling, escape rooms, laser tag, mini golf, skating, or going to a comedy show are all great group activities that don’t center around drinking.
- Accutane can have certain effects on the liver which, combined with alcohol, can become dangerous.
- Accutane was pulled off the market in 2009 because of concerns and lawsuits over its possible risks and side effects.
Higher doses are usually more effective, but can also lead to more side effects. At high doses, side effects can include dry skin and itching, nosebleeds, joint and muscle pain, irritation of the eyes and eyelids. Before discussing safe practices, it’s important to remember that no tip guarantees total safety while drinking isotretinoin—only avoidance does. Furthermore, the combination of Accutane and alcohol may heighten the risk of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Secondly, alcohol can exacerbate some of the side effects of Accutane, such as dry skin and eyes, as well as increase the risk of dehydration.
Accutane and Alcohol: Safety Guidelines and Risks You Need To Know
Accutane is a potent acne treatment drug derived from Vitamin A. Known for its effectiveness, about 85% of individuals experience complete clearance of their acne within 16 weeks of initiating the treatment. This powerful medication is usually prescribed for severe acne and can have significant effects on the body, including an increase in liver toxicity. For example, any prior problems with the liver would likely result in one avoiding alcohol altogether. Also if one is taking other medications, what the interactions between these drugs will have to be taken into account as well. Other prescription medications, chemical peels, photodynamic therapy and other effective treatments exist for those who are not good candidates for this Accutane therapy. Though uncommon, liver toxicity is also a risk with Accutane, which is why it’s crucial to avoid alcohol while taking the drug.
How Long After Taking a Dose of Accutane Can You Drink?
Dr. Howell says there isn’t much research on whether it’s safe to drink small amounts of alcohol while taking Accutane. Most advice comes from what doctors know about how the drug and alcohol affect the body. Since both can stress the liver and raise fat levels in the blood, there’s enough reason to be careful and avoid mixing the two. Some people think it’s okay to resume drinking alcohol as soon as accutane treatment is complete. If you’re taking Accutane, the brand name for isotretinoin, it’s important to avoid alcohol. Accutane (isotretinoin) and alcohol can have a significant interaction, increasing the risk of side effects like liver damage and elevated triglycerides.
You need to avoid drinking alcohol, taking vitamin A supplements, and getting cosmetic skin treatments or sun exposure while taking the drug. Other drugs have potential interactions, including certain antibiotics, acne treatments, and steroids. Isotretinoin can be used to treat severe acne, but it has serious potential side effects and complications like birth defects, sun sensitivity, liver damage, and increased cholesterol levels. Doctors typically only prescribe isotretinoin when all other treatments have failed and for moderate to severe acne cases. If you’re considering taking Accutane and struggle with alcohol use, it’s crucial to seek detox and addiction treatment to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms or drug interactions. Once you complete an alcohol addiction treatment program, you can safely take Accutane with a lower risk of liver damage, pancreatitis, or other serious effects.
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For example, alcohol can exacerbate dryness of the skin, lips, and eyes, which are common side effects of Accutane. Additionally, alcohol consumption may worsen symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness experienced during Accutane treatment. Before starting Accutane therapy, it’s crucial to have an in-depth consultation with your healthcare provider.
This powerful treatment is typically prescribed for moderate to severe acne that hasn’t responded well to other therapies. And while Accutane is highly effective, it also comes with a long list of responsibilities, precautions, and lifestyle changes that you’ll need to commit to for several months. While Accutane can be highly effective at clearing severe acne, it also comes with potential risks and side effects. These can include dryness of the skin, alcohol and acutane lips, eyes, and muscle and joint pain. Accutane is also known to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy, so strict precautions, including the use of two forms of contraception, are required for women of childbearing age.
Side effects may include dizziness, extreme fatigue, digestive issues, worsened dryness, mental health instability, and poor drug absorption. Both substances are metabolized in the liver, so combining them places extra stress on the organ, potentially leading to inflammation, elevated enzyme levels, and long-term damage. Have a transparent conversation with your provider before mixing Accutane and alcohol.
Being honest allows them to guide you toward safer choices or even adjust your treatment plan if needed. Drinking alcohol while taking Accutane is like adding fuel to a slow-burning fire—it may not spark immediately, but the damage builds over time. Alcohol adds more pressure to that system, increasing the risk of dangerous complications. Accutane was taken off the market in 2009 because of lawsuits and concerns over the risks and side effects. Isotretinoin drugs, both brand name and generic, are still available, however. Accutane and other isotretinoin drugs may work by increasing cell turnover, suppressing acne bacteria, and reducing oil production—three processes contributing to acne.
All consultations are provided by independent online dermatologists on a cash-pay-only basis. Prescriptions, if applicable, are sent to third-party pharmacies, which are paid directly for any medication. Medication images on the website are for illustrative purposes only and images of people are not actual patients.
Medical information on miiskin.com is for informational purposes and not medical advice. Your dermatologist will likely schedule regular blood tests—usually every 4 to 6 weeks—to monitor your liver enzymes and lipid levels. If those values remain within a safe range and you are otherwise healthy, your provider might allow an occasional drink on a special occasion. That’s why, for most young people in this age group, it’s safer and simpler to avoid alcohol altogether during treatment. Choosing to abstain removes the temptation, protects your liver, and supports the best outcome for your skin and overall health.