Why avoid vitamin A on Accutane?

Author: Jovany Vandervort MD  |  Last update: Sunday, March 30, 2025

You should avoid certain supplements, especially those containing vitamin A. Accutane is a retinoid. Retinoids are effective acne medications that contain a form of vitamin A. Getting too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity, so it's best to avoid using other products that contain vitamin A while taking Accutane.

What should you avoid while on Accutane?

In particular, people taking Accutane should avoid:
  • vitamin A supplements.
  • tetracycline antibiotics.
  • corticosteroids.
  • any other acne treatments.
  • alcohol (or keep it to a minimum)
  • phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • strong sunlight and sunbeds.
  • cosmetic skin procedures, such as waxing or laser treatment.

Can I use retinol while on Accutane?

Can I use Retinol or Ascorbic Acid during my Accutane treatment? The use of skin care acids during your course of treatment is not recommended. This is due to the fact that Accutane/Oratane can make your skin very dry & more sensitive to some ingredients such as retinol, glycolic, lactic, ascorbic & salicylic acids.

How much vitamin A equals isotretinoin?

At doses of 50,000-300,000 IU daily, vitamin A may provide a substitute for acne management when isotretinoin is unavailable.

What vitamin does Accutane deplete?

Furthermore, this study demonstrated that after a 6 months treatment, isotretinoin can result in decreases in vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Supplementation of vitamin B12/folic acid should be recommended in cases of their deficiency in patients under isotretinoin therapy.

Life After Accutane / Long Term Negative Effects

Is 10,000 IU of vitamin A safe?

For adults, 19 and older, the tolerable upper limit for vitamin A is 10,000 IU per day. Talk to your doctor before taking any dose close to that amount. People who have liver disease or diabetes should not take vitamin A supplements without their doctor's supervision.

What skincare to avoid on Accutane?

As Isotretinoin is a retinoid, it should not be used with any other vitamin A or retinol products. Chemical peels, acids or physical exfoliants that resurface the skin should also be avoided as they will create further photo sensitivity, dryness and irritation.

What happens if I use tretinoin on Accutane?

Combining these medications may increase the risk of hypervitaminosis A, a condition that stems from excessive vitamin A-related effects.

What is the best hydrating serum while on Accutane?

Hyaluronic acid is a lightweight, hydrating serum that draws moisture into the skin, making it ideal for daily use, especially for those on Accutane.

What organ is Accutane bad for?

Accutane-Related Organ Problems

These symptoms could indicate damage to the liver, pancreas, bowel and esophagus. You should immediately inform your doctor of any of these symptoms. The damage might be permanent even after stopping Accutane, but swift treatment can increase your chances of recovery.

What drugs Cannot be mixed with Accutane?

What may interact with this medication?
  • Alcohol.
  • Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or other drying medications used for acne.
  • Medications for seizures.
  • Orlistat.
  • Other medications that make you more sensitive to the sun such as sulfa medications.
  • Progestin-only birth control hormones.
  • St. John's Wort.

How long does Accutane purge last?

The Accutane Purge

Usually, this occurs within the first month of using Accutane, and it may last several weeks. After the initial flare-up, your symptoms should subside, and your skin should begin to clear up considerably. If you experience an Accutane purge, call your dermatologist to discuss it.

Can vitamin A help acne?

In addition, vitamin A can regulate skin tone and reduce the red, purple and brown colouring that acne can leave on the skin. It can also reduce the size and productivity of your oil glands, meaning that your skin produces less acne-causing oil.

How to protect the liver while on Accutane?

People can also take steps to protect their liver while taking isotretinoin, such as avoiding alcohol, maintaining a moderate weight, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise.

Does Accutane stunt growth permanently?

Yes, it has been described that Accutane can stunt growth by causing premature closure of the growth plates. Teenagers who are considering Accutane must be evaluated by their pediatrician to ensure that they have finished growing before starting an Accutane treatment course.

Why can't you take vitamin A on Accutane?

Vitamin A supplements

So it's best to avoid taking other products that contain vitamin A while you're taking Accutane. Getting too much vitamin A may lead to toxicity. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity may include: Nausea and vomiting.

Does tretinoin purge cystic acne?

For most patients, skin purging (also known as the tretinoin purge) is uncomfortable but after four to six weeks (one full skin cycle) you'll see fresher, clearer skin. Because retinoids are extremely effective in fighting acne, they are one of the most popular cystic acne treatments.

Does Accutane cause weight gain?

No. There's no evidence that Accutane directly causes weight gain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for evaluating prescription drugs to make sure they're safe and effective. They also look at study data to determine possible side effects of medications.

What should I not eat during Accutane?

This includes foods with a high glycemic index (GI), such as white bread, sodas, and starchy items like potatoes. Dairy products may also worsen acne for some people.

Is Aquaphor good for Accutane?

In the evening use a gentle, non comedogenic moisturizer such as Cetaphil night cream or Neutrogena deep moisture night cream. In the morning, use a good sunscreen such as Elta MD or Vanicream. If your lips are very dry, we recommend using Vaseline or Aquaphor throughout the day.

What is a safer alternative to Accutane?

If you're looking for Accutane alternatives to treat your acne, there are many options to try, including topical retinoids, antibacterial medications, and hormonal treatments. Check with your doctor or other healthcare professional to see which treatment option is best for you.

Can tretinoin cause vitamin A toxicity?

Retinoid Toxicity

Do not administer tretinoin with vitamin A due to symptoms of syndrome of hypervitaminosis A. Pseudotumor cerebri/intracranial hypertension may also occur, especially if given in combination with other medications that increase intracranial hypertension.

Is vitamin A the same as retinol?

Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid) is a nutrient important to vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties.

What depletes vitamin A?

Vitamin A deficiency can result from inadequate intake, fat malabsorption, or liver disorders. Deficiency impairs immunity and hematopoiesis and causes rashes and typical ocular effects (eg, xerophthalmia, night blindness).

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