Diet and Acutane

My 13-year-old daughter is going to be on Accutane in a couple of weeks after all her blood tests come back.

I was given a very sketchy diet for her to follow and would like to know where I could find more detailed information on proper diet and nutrition for a young adolescent on Accutane.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There really isn't any.  It's best to avoid vitamin supplements containing Vitamin A, since those would accentuate the lip dryness Accutane itself, as a Vitamin A derivative, causes.  However, it isn't necessary to avoid vegetables and other sources of dietary Vitamon A.

Other than that, it doesn't really matter what she eats.

Accutane's a pretty straightforward treatment once you're actually on it, as you and your daughter are likely to see.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Anastasia316]

Okay, now I'm confused.

I got this sheet from the doctor that said she was not to eat beef and pork, butter, milk or cheese, or any foods that contain fat or cholesterol.

I understood this to mean that because Accutane has a tendency to raise blood cholesterol levels, that some diet was necessary to keep that under control.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I guess that's what the doctor had in mind, but I've never found it necessary over the past 20 years to make any such recommendations.  In the very unlikely event that blood fats (choleesterol, triglycerides) are elevated, your doctor may recommend such a diet, but as I said, I thoink this is extremely unlikely.  Most people eat what they usually eat and do just fine.

Dr. Rockoff

[aschutz99]

I am on my second run of accutane. The first time I went on it several years ago both my triglycerides and cholesterol went up. This time I am on a no cholesterol diet because of the same thing. My roommate went on the drug twice as well and her cholesterol went up a bit, too. So it is something that happens. You just be careful about cholesterol intake if it is an issue. It is not for everyone though. You just have to watch.

[jas_min_20]

hi i have been on accutane ,,,no such restrictions ..but do apply good sun protection !!!!

[sistacyem]

I have been on Accutane for 3 months now and this month my liver counts doubled!  Can you tell me why this has happened and how I can lower than and finish my treatment.?  And will this cause any permanent damage?

[sistacyem]

I have been on Accutane for 3 months now and this month my liver counts doubled!  Can you tell me why this has happened and how I can lower than and finish my treatment.?  And will this cause any permanent damage?