How to avoid side effects from Accutane (isotretinoin) – Dermatologist and acne expert explains

I'm John Barbieri, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and acne expert at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In this video we will discuss how to prevent common Accutane (isotretinoin) side effects. Although often thought of as a difficult treatment, it doesn’t have to be this way!

However, isotretinoin is not the right treatment for everyone, so make sure to discuss with a healthcare professional before considering whether to take isotretinoin.

#isotretinoin #accutane #acne #dermatologist #expert

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:01 Dosing
1:41 Dryness
2:22 Flaring/purging
3:15 Joint Pains
3:44 Lab monitoring
4:21 Depression and inflammatory bowel disease
5:49 Summary

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Twitter/Instagram: @DrJohnBarbieri

References:

Disclaimer: This YouTube Channel does not provide any diagnosis, treatment or medical advice and does not replace a visit to your doctor. The statements are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent disease. See your doctor for medical advice and treatment. My statements on this channel are for informational purposes only.

[DrJohnBarbieri]

What has been your experience with isotretinoin? What have you found helpful to reduce or prevent side effects?

[rebeccaurbonas]

Isotretinoin was the best thing to ever happen to my skin and confidence 😊

[spencermulliner]

I’m about to start accutane and was worried about what was going to happen to my skin and this helped a lot

[YusufAB]

Thank you so much for this information, It’s incredibly encouraging to hear this.

I plan on going on Accutane this winter and will definitely work with my dermatologist on a treatment plan that consists of supplementing antihistamines and omega 3.

[Macorelppa]

Been on isotretinoin 40mg/day for 2 months without prescription of a doctor in India. Just chapped lips and dry forehead. 🙃

[weeteelim]

Thank you for your help. I personally tried Roaccutane 10 mg daily for 2 years and had severe telogen effluvium. Fortunately reversed after discontinuing in 8 months

[isagoldfield]

Thank You so much Dr. Barbieri this is very helpful💫🌿🌷very well explained.

[zeynepnisamiller]

thank you so much for such an informative video! I very much enjoyed listening to you like a teacher on skincare. ı hope you have a wonderful life.

[traceycrawford]

Thank you so much for this video. I will hopefully be starting a low dose next week. ☺️

[butterfaii]

At first, I was doubting my dermatologist (who am I to doubt a professional who spent years studying right?) as she gave me a lower dose, 10 mg to be exact and I have to take it for almost 2 years and I didn't even get my bloodwork done during my first month which surprised me because a lot of reddit posts and YouTube videos does that and then I stumbled upon this video. Indeed, great dermatologist who really care for their patient think alike. Thank you so much for this helpful video, it cleared up any uncertainties I was dealing with.

[maliabella]

This was so helpful. Your voice is very soothing. Thank you. I have done a lot of research on Accutane as I plan to take it soon and I am in my 30’s. I have some questions maybe you can help answer:

1) Based on my research it looks like about 10% of people experience temporary hair loss while on Accutane. And even smaller percentage seem to experience permanent hair loss. Do you know what causes this? And do you know of any supplements that help decrease this side effect?

2) Based on my research it seems that patients need to have an accumulative dose of 120–150 mg/Kg. Do you believe that Accutane patients need to reach the accumulative dose to have permanent acne remission?

3) Your tip on taking an antihistamine to decrease the purging side effect is helpful. Why does taking an antihistamine decrease purging?

Thank you for your help ❤

[ritikagc]

It has been over 10 months since I went off accutane. Still the face is red and feel hot . Please give me some advice Dr..

[FaheemaOughradar]

When would you take the antihistamine and Omega 3, before or after the daily Isotret?

[princesschargapotot]

I used roaccutane 20mg for 6 days. I hope my acne will be fade away

[kheenesalas]

Hi im planning to get my prescription of Accutane? is cetirizine a good drug for the purging? also I'm currently on finasteride 1mg right now does it affect the drug if ever is it safe to take them both at the same time? thank you!

[salmaofinlandes]

Do you recommend cod liver oil as a omega 3 supplement? I was wondering if the excess vitamin A from it would cause more harm than good.

[diairanorbesses]

Thank you for this video, ❤ can you please tell us how to avoid hair loss (or at least reduce it) during Accutane. I'm on a low dose (this is my 2nd week of accutane and I see my hair all over the house, this is so sad)

[alexfisher]

Hi Dr. Barbiei,
I am considering isotretinoin. Can you please elaborate more on who is a good candidate for treatment please?

[iftakharsifat]

Hi. My dermatologist prescribed me with isotretinoin 20mg tomorrow. I'hv tried a lot of medicines for more than 1 year but my acne just keeps coming back. Sometimes i get breakouts i dont know what exactly the reason is. I've been sleeping early. Washing and moisturing my face regularly and trying my best to eat right also my face type is oily. Should I take the isotretinoin pills? To be honest im kind of scared

[RSR]

Hey Doc...glad that I found your channel. My doc has prescribed 20mg Accutane for a month along with omnicortil capsule. Wanted your suggestion on this before starting 🙏