Accutane and Alcohol: Risks, Side Effects, and Precautions

What Is Accutane?

Accutane is one of the best-known brands of isotretinoin. It was used to treat acne when other drugs had failed, though the brand Accutane has been pulled off the market since 2009 because of serious side effects.[1] Still, many people refer to isotretinoin drugs, including the brands Claravis, Amnesteem, and Absorica, by the brand Accutane.

All isotretinoin drugs are retinoids, which come from vitamin A. High amounts of vitamin A taken through supplements or diet can have similar effects but can cause vitamin A toxicity. Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A, but taking it in high amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity.

Accutane and isotretinoin drugs are still potent, however. About half the people who take Accutane for four to six months are “permanently cured” of acne, though it can take up to a year for some.[2]

How Do Isotretinoin Drugs Work?

Isotretinoin drugs can treat acne, but researchers don’t fully understand why. However, they can reduce oil production, suppress acne bacteria, and increase cell turnover, which are important for treating and preventing acne.

The effective ingredient in isotretinoin drugs is retinoids, which can have serious side effects like photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun), skin dryness, high cholesterol, and, in rare cases, liver toxicity.[3] The risk to the liver is the primary reason Accutane and alcohol should be avoided.

The Dangers of Mixing Accutane and Alcohol

Accutane and other isotretinoin drugs should never be mixed with alcohol without a doctor’s approval. The liver metabolizes both isotretinoin drugs and alcohol, and each can cause liver damage on its own. Mixing the two significantly increases the risk of liver damage.

You should avoid drinking any alcohol while taking isotretinoin drugs. Isotretinoin drugs take some time to clear from the body, so make sure to consult with your doctor about when it’s safe to drink alcohol again.

“Alcohol” doesn’t only refer to alcoholic beverages. Anything that contains alcohol, including culinary wine, cough medicine, and mouthwash, can present similar risks. If you combine the two, you could be at risk of liver toxicity and side effects like nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat.[4]

The signs of liver toxicity may include:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Light-colored stool
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain (a build-up of fluid in the abdomen)
• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Ascites (swelling in the abdomen)
• Skin rash[5]

Liver damage isn’t the only risk of combining alcohol and Accutane. On its own, Accutane can raise the levels of triglycerides in the blood.[6] This can lead to pancreatitis, a painful, life-threatening condition that can have symptoms like rapid heart rate, fluid buildup, vomiting, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. Alcohol can also cause pancreatitis with excessive consumption, so mixing the two can significantly increase the risk.

Though indirect, isotretinoin can cause sudden night blindness, impacting your ability to drive safely in low light. Alcohol intoxication also impairs your ability to drive safely. Combining alcohol with isotretinoin and the risk of sudden night blindness can increase the likelihood of getting into a car accident.

Accutane Side Effects

Though isotretinoin and alcohol can have significant risks, it’s important to understand Accutane’s potential interactions and precautions.[7]

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor before taking isotretinoin. These drugs can have a risk of serious birth defects, so you shouldn’t become pregnant on them or take them while pregnant.

People who are taking isotretinoin must have regular pregnancy tests and use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy. The risk of birth defects is so strong that people on Accutane shouldn’t give blood. If the recipient is pregnant, they have a risk of birth defects from the isotretinoin in their blood.

Because isotretinoin is derived from vitamin A, you must be careful with vitamin A supplements or multivitamins containing it, as it can cause toxicity. Discuss your current medications, supplements, and vitamins with your doctor before taking isotretinoin drugs.

Isotretinoin can cause skin side effects like dryness or scaling and flaking skin. However, more serious skin side effects like toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have also been reported.[8] Retinoids can increase photosensitivity, increasing your risk for serious sunburn and skin scarring. It’s important to use sunscreen outdoors, no matter the weather, while taking isotretinoin drugs.

Be Safe While Taking Accutane

Combining Accutane and alcohol can have serious risks, especially if you have more than the occasional drink. If you binge drink or use alcohol excessively, it increases the risks of potential interactions and liver damage.

However, it’s not safe to stop drinking suddenly to take isotretinoin drugs. Alcohol withdrawal can have life-threatening complications, including seizures and delirium tremens. Quitting isn’t a matter of willpower.

If you struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction and want to stop drinking alcohol, alcohol addiction treatment can help. The first step is medical detox, which offers medical support and supervision to minimize the risks of complications and helps you stay as comfortable and safe as possible during the withdrawal process.