isotretinoin-molecule

These were notes I made while preparing to start prescription isotretinoin in 2016.

The original article was titled Side Effect Prevention and tried to build a supplement stack around potential isotretinoin adverse effects.

That title went too far.

I did not have evidence that the supplements below would prevent the side effects I was worried about, and this should not read as a treatment plan for somebody else.

What I was experimenting with

I was already eating salmon and taking fish-oil supplements, partly because I had found an older study discussing EPA / DHA and isotretinoin-associated triglyceride changes.

I also experimented with glucosamine, a hair / skin / nail supplement and milk thistle because I hoped they might reduce joint, hair, skin or liver-related problems.

Those were my 2016 experiments.

I do not have evidence that this particular supplement combination prevents isotretinoin-related joint pain, hair or nail changes, or liver problems.

Supplements can also have their own effects and interactions, so the quantities from my old stack should not be read as recommended dosing.

What the medicine information actually supports

Isotretinoin is a prescription medicine with significant monitoring and safety requirements.

Current Australian medicine information says:

  • take it exactly as prescribed
  • standard isotretinoin capsules should be taken with food
  • avoid vitamin A supplements because isotretinoin is related to vitamin A
  • do not use it concurrently with tetracycline antibiotics
  • do not donate blood during treatment or for at least one month afterwards

The blood-donation restriction is particularly important because isotretinoin is highly teratogenic.

Dry skin, lips and other mucosal effects are common enough that the medicine information specifically discusses moisturising those areas.

So the useful historical story here is not that I had invented a way to prevent the side effects.

I had assembled a personal supplement experiment while preparing for treatment, and some of my reasoning was much more confident than the evidence justified.

Sources