Prescription Drugs | 7 min read
Medically Reviewed By
February 19, 2024
Written By
On February 19, 2024
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. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol during Accutane treatment.
Learn more about Accutane, how it works, medication safety, and why you should avoid mixing Accutane with alcohol or other substances.
Accutane is the brand name for isotretinoin, an acne treatment drug used when acne is persistent and resistant to other treatment options. Though Accutane was taken off the market around 2009, it was a popular and widespread drug.[1] People often refer to the generic isotretinoin as Accutane.
It’s derived from vitamin A, but it’s a safer alternative to taking large amounts of vitamin A that can cause toxicity. Due to its potency, isotretinoin can be used to treat moderate to severe acne and various types of acne.
Isotretinoin (formerly known as Accutane) is highly effective for long-term remission of acne in many patients. [2] The remainder need longer treatment, sometimes up to a year, but may see a difference in four or five months.
Isotretinoin’s effectiveness in treating acne involves several understood mechanisms: it reduces sebum production, inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and normalizes skin cell shedding to prevent clogged pores.
Isotretinoin is effective where other treatments fail due to its high concentration of retinoids, a class of chemicals derived from vitamin A. Retinoids are responsible for some side effects, including sun sensitivity, dry skin, and an increase in cholesterol levels.
Accutane has some side effects, including dry skin, headaches, itching, nosebleeds, birth defects in pregnant women, and liver damage. The last symptom is the primary concern with combining Accutane and alcohol consumption, as the liver processes these two substances.
The interaction between alcohol and Accutane (isotretinoin) can be significant, not just moderate. It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Accutane due to the increased risk of liver damage and elevated triglyceride levels. Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to understand your specific risk factors. Otherwise, it’s important to avoid drinking alcohol or using products that contain alcohol, such as some mouthwashes or cough medicines.
If you do drink while taking Accutane, you may experience severe side effects like rapid heartbeat, warm or tingling skin, nausea, and vomiting. Taking Accutane alone can be hard on your liver, but when you combine it with alcohol, it can cause severe damage.[3] Some of the signs of liver damage may include:
Accutane also raises the levels of triglycerides in the blood, which can lead to painful and life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas – pancreatitis – with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, fluid buildup, fever, and low blood pressure.[4]
In some individuals, Accutane can cause a sudden decrease in night vision, which makes driving hazardous. Combined with alcohol, there’s a serious risk of getting into an accident.
The need to avoid alcohol while taking Accutane is clear. But some people wonder how long they need to wait before drinking after taking a dose of Accutane. It’s important to point out that there is no safe window. If you’re taking Accutane at all, then you should not drink alcohol at any time.
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. [5] If you’ve been taking this medication for some time, it has likely built up in your system, meaning it will take even longer to flush out.
Everyone metabolizes medications differently, so it’s impossible to say when the body has completely cleared them. This makes even a drink or two while taking Accutane risky. Like alcohol, Accutane is processed through the liver, so alcohol should be avoided entirely for the entire time you’re taking Accutane. If you’re still taking Accutane, don’t drink alcohol, regardless of when you took your last dose.
If you choose to drink despite your doctor’s warnings, then you may face serious consequences, including liver damage, high cholesterol, heart problems, and stroke. It’s not worth the risk.
Some people think it’s okay to resume drinking alcohol as soon as accutane treatment is complete. However, this is a dangerous misconception.
The reasons to avoid alcohol while taking the prescription medication Accutane are plentiful. These two substances simply don’t mix.
Here are some of the serious risks of mixing alcohol and Accutane: [6]
Other side effects you may experience as a result of the interaction between alcohol and isotretinoin (the generic name for Accutane) include: [7]
There are serious health risks linked to Accutane and alcohol combined. If you drink any alcohol at all while taking Accutane, be sure to tell your healthcare provider so they can monitor your labs closely and respond if necessary. Combining alcohol with Accutane could also make the medication less effective in treating acne, so it’s really not worth the risk. Alcohol alone can also exacerbate acne. [8]
Alcohol is pervasive in our society and is often linked to socializing, dining, and having fun. It can be hard to avoid the temptation to drink when alcohol is all around you. Some situations call for abstinence, though, such as when you suffer from a substance use disorder or when you’re taking a prescription medication like Accutane that can cause adverse reactions when mixed with alcohol. Here are some tips to avoid alcohol, either temporarily or permanently: [9]
If you’ve tried to quit drinking more than once or twice without success, it may be time to reach out for professional support. There’s no shame in acknowledging you have a drinking problem or asking for help to quit drinking.
Here are some signs that you may be experiencing alcohol use disorder: [10]
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking can be a sign of alcohol use disorder. Symptoms can begin within a few hours of your last drink or up to five days later. Alcohol withdrawal may include the following symptoms: [11]
Severe alcohol withdrawal can be serious or life-threatening. Some people require medical supervision to detox from alcohol.
Aside from avoiding alcohol on Accutane, there are other risks and complications associated with the drug.[12]
Isotretinoin can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. It’s important to take two forms of effective birth control to avoid pregnancy. You also need to avoid giving blood while taking Accutane, as it can cause birth defects in a pregnant recipient.
Unless directed by a doctor, you shouldn’t take vitamin A or other vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A while on Accutane. This increases the risk of side effects. You should check with your doctor before taking any substances, including vitamins, herbal products, and prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Accutane can cause skin dryness and sunburn, as well as more serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, a life-threatening disorder characterized by blistering and peeling of the skin. You should also avoid waxing or cosmetic procedures, such as dermabrasion or laser hair removal, while using Accutane and for six months after stopping it, as this increases the risk of scarring.
In rare cases, Accutane can cause mood and behavioral changes like irritability, agitation, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Abstaining from alcohol while taking isotretinoin can be tough, but it’s much harder if you binge drink or struggle with alcohol use disorder. If you have an alcohol use disorder, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for safe withdrawal management, as abrupt cessation of alcohol can lead to potentially severe withdrawal symptoms.
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.
Though the name is still widely recognized, Accutane was discontinued in 2009 because of lawsuits over its side effects and the availability of generic versions.
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.
It’s important to speak to your doctor about drinking alcohol after stopping isotretinoin, but the general recommendation is to wait at least one month after stopping the drug before drinking alcohol. This ensures it’s completely eliminated from your body and reduces the risk of negative effects.
Isotretinoin has a lot of potential interactions. It’s important to avoid alcohol, other vitamin A supplements, and certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics, corticosteroids, and other acne treatments. You should also avoid strong sunlight or tanning beds and cosmetic skin procedures. Your doctor can inform you on what to avoid while taking isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin is hard on the liver. Liver test abnormalities occur in up to 15% of people taking isotretinoin, though excessive elevation is rare.[6] People on isotretinoin should have regular liver blood tests to monitor the effects and watch for signs of toxicity.
Mixing isotretinoin and alcohol is not recommended because of the risk of side effects and adverse reactions. In some people, even small amounts of alcohol can have a serious interaction. Always check with your doctor about possible interactions with Accutane and other substances.
Here at Ascendant New York, we understand the importance of having access to accurate medical information you can trust, especially when you or a loved one is suffering from addiction. Find out more on our policy.
[1] Los Angeles Times. (2014, September 16). New Study May Deal Final Blow to Acne Drug Accutane. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-sci-accutane7-2009nov07-story.html on 2023, December 21.
[2] Accutane – American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). (n.d.-a). Retrieved from https://www.aocd.org/page/accutane on 2023, December 21.
[3] Isotretinoin – livertox – NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547857/ on 2023, December 21.
[4] Accutane and alcohol/food interactions. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/isotretinoin,accutane.html on 2023, December 21.
[5] These highlights do not include all the information needed to use isotretinoin capsules safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for isotretinoin capsules. (n.d.-f). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/4e8516dc-a3c6-4d8f-aa14-2c37c6c8f6e6/spl-doc?hl=
[6] GoodRx. (n.d.). Alcohol and Accutane: Side effects, interactions, and safety tips. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/isotretinoin/alcohol-and-accutane
[7] [8] Isotretinoin and alcohol/food interactions. Drugs.com. (n.d.-b). https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/isotretinoin.html
[9] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-b). Rethinking drinking. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/
[10] [11] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 18). Alcohol use disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
[12] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, November 1). Isotretinoin (oral route) precautions. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/isotretinoin-oral-route/precautions/drg-20068178 on 2023, December 21.
[13] Isotretinoin – livertox – NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547857/ on 2023 December.