Accutane Interactions

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Accutane is combined with any of the drugs listed above.

 

There have been cases of pseudotumor cerebri (a certain type of high blood pressure in the cranium) in people who took Accutane in combination with certain antibiotics. It is best to avoid taking Accutane with such antibiotics.

 

Taking Accutane in combination with corticosteroids may increase the risk of osteoporosis. This interaction probably applies only to corticosteroids taken by injection or by mouth, not inhaled or used as a nasal spray.

 

Combining phenytoin with Accutane might increase the risk of osteoporosis. Check with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together.

 

Women of childbearing potential must use two forms of birth control while taking Accutane, as well as one month before and one month after using this acne medication. Progestin-only birth control pills are probably not effective enough for women to use while taking Accutane (they are significantly less effective than combined oral contraceptives that contain an estrogen and a progestin).

 

Do not self-treat yourself with St. John's wort while taking Accutane. If you have depression, you need to be evaluated by your healthcare provider. Also, St. John's wort can make birth control pills less effective, a problem that would be especially dangerous for women taking Accutane, as this medication causes severe birth defects.

 

Accutane is related to vitamin A. Do not take vitamin A while on Accutane, as this could cause additive toxic effects.