Drinking alcohol while taking Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is something that many people wonder about, especially if they are used to having a drink now and then. Accutane is a powerful medicine used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. It works by shrinking the oil glands in the skin and reducing inflammation, which helps clear up acne. But because Accutane is processed by the liver, and alcohol is also processed by the liver, combining the two can put extra stress on this important organ [1].
The liver is like a filter for your body. It helps break down medicines, alcohol, and other substances so they can be removed from your system. When you take Accutane, your liver has to work harder to process the medication. This can sometimes cause your liver enzymes to rise, which is a sign that the liver is under stress. Most people do not have serious liver problems while on Accutane, but regular blood tests are done to check liver function during treatment [1].
Alcohol also puts stress on the liver. When you drink alcohol, your liver has to break it down and remove it from your body. If you are taking Accutane and drinking alcohol at the same time, your liver has to deal with both substances. This can increase the risk of liver damage, because the liver is being asked to do more work than usual. Some studies and medical sources say that mixing alcohol with Accutane can lead to higher liver enzyme levels, which means the liver is working harder and may be at risk of damage [2].
In addition to the risk of liver damage, drinking alcohol while on Accutane can make some of the side effects of the medication worse. Common side effects of Accutane include dry skin, dry lips, nosebleeds, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches. When alcohol is added, these side effects can become more intense. For example, alcohol can make your skin even drier and can increase feelings of fatigue or headache. Some people also report feeling more tired or having worse muscle aches when they drink alcohol while on Accutane [1].
Another concern is that alcohol may affect how well Accutane works. Some sources suggest that drinking alcohol could reduce the effectiveness of your acne treatment, meaning your acne might not clear up as well as it could if you avoided alcohol [3]. This is not something that has been proven in large studies, but it is a possibility that doctors take seriously.
There are also some less common but more serious side effects of Accutane that can be made worse by alcohol. For example, Accutane can sometimes cause changes in mood or mental health, and alcohol can also affect your mood. Combining the two might increase the risk of feeling depressed or anxious, although this is not something that happens to everyone [1].
Doctors and medical experts generally recommend avoiding alcohol completely while taking Accutane. This is because the risk of liver damage is real, and the side effects of both the medication and alcohol can be worse when they are combined. Even if you only drink a small amount of alcohol, it is still putting extra stress on your liver, and there is no safe amount that has been proven to be completely risk-free [1].
Some people might think that having a drink once in a while will not hurt, but the problem is that everyone’s body is different. Some people might be able to handle a small amount of alcohol without any problems, but others might have a stronger reaction. Because of this, doctors prefer to be cautious and advise patients to avoid alcohol altogether while on Accutane [2].
If you are taking Accutane and you are worried about alcohol, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can give you advice based on your own health and medical history. They might also recommend regular blood tests to check your liver function, especially if you have a history of liver problems or if you have been drinking alcohol while on the medication [1].
In addition to avoiding alcohol, there are other things you can do to protect your liver while on Accutane. For example, you should avoid other substances that can stress the liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and certain herbal supplements. Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest can also help support your liver and overall health during treatment [5].
It is also important to be aware of the signs of liver problems. These can include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or feeling very tired. If you notice any of these symptoms while taking Accutane, you should contact your doctor right away [5].
In summary, drinking alcohol while on Accutane increases the risk of liver damage and can make side effects worse. The liver is responsible for processing both Accutane and alcohol, so combining the two puts extra stress on this organ. Doctors recommend avoiding alcohol completely while taking Accutane to protect your liver and get the best results from your treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, it is always best to talk to your doctor.
Sources
[1] https://brookshealingcenter.com/blog/drinking-on-accutane/
[2] https://smart.dhgate.com/accutane-and-alcohol-why-you-shouldnt-mix-them-2/
[3] https://smart.dhgate.com/accutane-and-alcohol-why-you-shouldnt-mix-them/
[4] https://www.droracle.ai/articles/408862/what-are-the-inventions-required-for-a-person-taking-isotretinoin
[5] https://www.drugwatch.com/accutane/
