Understanding Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Medication Interactions

Many medication interactions exist with isotretinoin. Thus, patients need to list every medication that they currently take, as their doctor must know about all of them! This list must include all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Isotretinoin interacts with many oral steroids, including dexamethasone. It also causes an interaction when patients also take an anticonvulsant such as phenytoin. It is not safe to take both! Most doctors will prescribe another medication or adjust a patient's dose when this is not possible. As mentioned, this medication is a synthetic form of vitamin A! Thus, most patients also have to stop taking vitamin A supplements when they are prescribed isotretinoin.