Does Accutane Cause Weight Gain or Loss? Let’s Check The Essential Factors

By - Aneeza Pervez

A teenager’s worst nightmare is acne. The problem affects men and women alike. In severe cases, it may lead to cystitis or to nodules that are extremely difficult to treat. Hence, young people and women turn to acne treatments to achieve clear, glowing skin.

Millions of people were helped by Accutane to get rid of severe acne. However, if taken over the counter, it also has several side effects. And the side effects can also interfere with appetite.

However, does Accutane cause weight gain? Let me discuss all the details.

Accutane: Why Do We Use It?

Accutane is a broad-spectrum medicine. Currently, it comes in the market with the names isotretinoin, absorica, sotret, Claravis myorisan, and amnesteem.

It works by limiting the formation of toxic natural substances that cause acne.

Generally, it is recommended for skin-related issues like severe acne. You’ve probably heard of thousands of girls whom Accutane has helped. It’s effective against scars, lesions, acne, pigmentation and even controls the production of sebum.

Related: Can Sexual Frustration Cause Acne?

It belongs to the class of retinoids that are derivatives of vitamin A. Hence, your body reacts to it as it does to vitamin A.

Furthermore, it is usually prescribed when other medicines fail to cure acne, mainly if acne is cystic – a deep, swollen, and a painful lesion that often appears on the face and body. It is usually resistant to topical and oral antibiotics. However, Accutane works well on these stubborn acne lesions and scars.

As a whole, Accutane helps you to get the following benefits:

Does Accutane Cause Weight Gain?

When taking Accutane, people might gain or lose weight. But, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that Accutane does not lead to weight gain or loss.

Typically, it is used to treat skin problems and even cancer but is not considered a weight gainer.

However, some side effects and ingredients in Accutane may cause a change in the body. For instance, taking Accutane can raise triglycerides, which can cause weight gain.

Related: How Long Accutane Takes to Work?

In the blood, triglycerides are found as fat. Thus, it can cause face fat, humps, and transient bumps.

Additionally, high triglycerides can cause heart disease or even organ failure. In general, approximately 25 out of 100 can suffer from this condition.

Thus, patients receiving Accutane undergo follow-up blood tests to monitor their levels of triglycerides.

But this problem can occur only when you take high doses of Accutane, such as 800 mg daily, whereas regular doses are 200 mg or less per day.

Therefore, if you believe you are gaining weight while taking Accutane, consult with the doctor to reduce its dosage or change your diet or exercise regimen to avoid fat buildup.

Does Accutane Cause Weight Loss?

Accutane can’t cause weight loss on its own. However, some of its side effects can affect your weight. For instance, Accutane dosage can cause a depression that affects digestion.

Moreover, it also causes diarrhea, which causes the body to lose fluid and nutrients. When you are querying about does Accutane cause weight gain, also keep in mind the weight loss factors.

Related: Can You Use Creatine for Weight Loss?

Loss of appetite is also caused by Accutane, which may explain a modest weight loss.

Nevertheless, Accutane’s side effects are only temporary and can be treated by stopping the medication. Also, you should seek the advice of a health expert.

Other Side Effects of Accutane

Accutane effectively treats stubborn acne, but it also has many mild and chronic side effects on human health. It is fortunate that most of them are mild and are easily cured once you discontinue taking Accutane.

Below is a complete list of the side effects that Accutane can cause:

Common Side Effects of Accutane

Rare Side Effects of Accutane

Medically Critical Symptoms

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms. Otherwise, you may suffer serious health problems. An example is pancreatitis, gallbladder disorders, or liver inflammation. Therefore, it’s better not to ignore these symptoms and ask for help immediately.

Risks In Pregnancy

Accutane can cause severe health problems in pregnant women and their fetuses. That’s why it is not suitable for women expecting their first child or who intend to become pregnant. The drug can cause serious side effects in pregnant women, including:

Rather than asking about does Accutane cause weight gain, you need to be more careful when pregnant. An Accutane-exposed fetus is at risk for developing structural and metabolic problems. As an example, it can result in the following disorders:

Hence, stopping Accutane if you intend to become pregnant or are currently pregnant is strongly recommended. A health expert will conduct your pregnancy test to prescribe you Accutane if necessary.

In cases of pregnancy during Accutane treatment, you should make an appointment with an OB-GYN knowledgeable about reproductive toxicity for further evaluation.

Testing and Monitoring

If a doctor, pharmacist, or patient wants to receive, prescribe, or dispense isotretinoin (Accutane), they must register with the FDA through the iPLEDGE website.

During your treatment with Isotretinoin (Accutane), your health care provider will regularly monitor your side effects and response to treatment. Pregnant women of childbearing age must take pregnancy tests one week before starting the therapy and every month throughout.

Before the treatment beginning and during the treatment, the blood counts, lipids (fats, cholesterol), and liver function must be evaluated. Tests are performed on blood samples to measure them.

How Much Accutane Should I Take, So I Don’t Have Weight Gain or Loss?

Accutane 10 mg daily for 30 days is safe and effective for treating cystic acne. Also, a dose of 20 mg/day may be safe for people with severe acne vulgaris or nodular acne. With as few side effects as possible, it will cure acne of the root.

The doctor prescribes you Accutane after asking about all your medical history and conducting some Immunity tests. Hence, the skin specialist prescribes the dose to prevent side effects and help you to eliminate symptoms.

Further, dermatologists advise you to live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet.

Crux of Matter

As a whole, Accutane cannot make you fat or thin. You gain weight based on its dosage, your diet, and the lifestyle that you are pursuing while taking Accutane. Also, pregnant women should not take Accutane because of the life-threatening effects on fetuses and mothers.

Despite its ability to cure acne of the root, over-the-counter use can do more harm than good. So, you should consult a health professional before taking it!

FAQ

Does Accutane Make Your Face Fat?

Accutane can cause swelling and inflammation in the body, which is why you appear fatter. However, gain in face fat is a temporary condition with Accutane. Taking a few precautions and stopping Accutane will indeed shed this fat. Long-term use of Accutane can cause permanent fecal fat.

Can Breastfeed Mom Take Accutane?

This isotretinoin is considered safe for breastfeeding moms by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Because there is no evidence that it enters breast milk and causes side effects in infants, however, some mild side effects may occur, such as digestive illnesses. Still, it is only a short-term condition.

Does Accutane Cause Hair Loss?

Accutane for acne can cause a temporary or permanent change to hair. For example, it can cause hair thinning and hair loss. In addition, it damages follicles and shafts of hair. Therefore, it undergoes permanent hair thinning. However, in most cases, hair can grow back after stopping Accutane.

Are 3 Months Of Accutane Enough?

A course of 10 mg of Accutane for a month is recommended for less severe acne. For severe acne, your doctor may prescribe Accutane for 3 months at a dose of 20 mg per day. You should adhere to dermatitis guidelines and follow the recommended dosage. Overstepping your daily dosage has consequences.

What Happens If You Take 2 Accutane Pills At Once?

Taking a dose more than recommended will worsen your acne instead of t resting it. Besides acne, it will also cause the following side effects:

Therefore, do not take two doses at once. If you did, then you will need to call a poison control center or your doctor immediately.

How Long Does Accutane Take To Work 10 Mg?

Accutane starts showing its results after 10 to 15 days of use. Thus, if you take Accutane for 3 months, your skin will become clear. But don’t overdose. Otherwise, the acne will get worse.

Can I Take vitamin A With Accutane?

Accutane is the derivative of vitamin A, which works the same as it in the body. Thus, if you’re taking Accutane, then consuming more vitamin A can lead to a condition called hypervitaminosis. Thus, it leads to vision problems, skin irritation, and even aches and cramping.

Why Is Accutane Unavailable?

Currently, Accutane is unavailable due to its manufacturer Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. ceasing production of the drug. Yet, it is available under the brand names of isotretinoin, Claravis, Myorisan, and Amnesteem.

Does Accutane Cause Weight Gain?

Taking Accutane does not lead to weight gain or loss. However, it raises triglyceride levels in the body, which increases fat in the blood. Thus, it makes you gain weight. Nevertheless, this is a rare event and doesn’t occur every time. Also, stopping Accutane can calm its side effects.