Weed and Accutane: Recognizing the Dangers and Being Safe

Isotretinoin, or Accutane, is a potent drug that is mostly used to treat severe acne that has not improved with conventional therapies. Although Accutane is beneficial for many people, it comes with several serious adverse effects that should be carefully considered before use. 

Many individuals are curious about how cannabis and Accutane interact as cannabis usage grows in acceptance for both medical and recreational purposes. This post will share some of the interactions between Accutane and cannabis that we found in our research, including smoking and edibles, and offer our advice as acne specialists, estheticians, and functional nutritionists in the skincare industry. .

Accutane: How It Works and Typical Side Effects

Vitamin A derivative accutane drastically lowers the quantity of oil (sebum) your skin’s oil glands generate. Additionally, it promotes faster skin renewal, which helps ward off the development of severe acne. 

For people with cystic acne that doesn’t go away, Accutane can be a lifesaver, but it’s not without hazards. Sun sensitivity, nosebleeds, chapped lips, and dry skin are typical adverse effects. Patients must receive constant medical supervision during treatment since more serious side effects can include depression, liver damage, and an increased chance of birth abnormalities.

The Impact of Marijuana Smoking on Accutane

Is it safe to smoke marijuana while on Accutane? This is a frequently asked topic by those thinking about starting treatment with the medication. There are a number of possible hazards associated with smoking marijuana while taking Accutane. 

Effectiveness and Absorption

There is some worry that smoking marijuana may have an impact on Accutane absorption. Smoking, whether it be tobacco or cannabis, can alter how your body processes prescription drugs. 

This implies that smoking marijuana may change the amount of Accutane in your blood, which could result in less effective treatment or, on the other hand, a higher chance of side effects if your body absorbs the drug too slowly.

Skin and General Health

Accutane already has a drying and sensitive effect on the skin. Marijuana smoking can make these problems worse. Cannabis has been shown to have an impact on skin health, possibly exacerbating issues like dry skin and aggravating acne in certain instances. 

Furthermore, smoking generally can hinder your body’s healing process, which is especially important when Accutane is already stressing out your skin.

Expert Opinions

Dermatologists typically advise against smoking anything while using Accutane despite the lack of direct studies on the topic. The drying effects of Accutane combined with smoke’s possible skin irritants could increase your skin’s vulnerability to injury and slow down its healing process.

Consuming Edibles While Taking Accutane

Edibles may appear like a safer option for cannabis users who would rather not smoke the plant. However, taking edibles along with Accutane also comes with its own risks.

Common Hazards in Comparison to Smoking

The metabolism of edible cannabis differs from that of smoked cannabis. After being consumed, cannabis travels through the digestive tract and is broken down by the liver, where it is transformed into a stronger substance that is then absorbed into the bloodstream. 

As Accutane is metabolized by the liver as well, there may be an interaction that puts more stress on your liver. Adding cannabis to the mix could increase the chance of liver-related side effects since Accutane is known to cause liver stress.

Interaction with Accutane

It’s also possible that edibles will affect Accutane’s longer-term metabolism because of their delayed onset and sustained effects. This might result in an erratic reaction to the drug, which would make it challenging to control both the Accutane dosage and the cannabis’s effects.

Particular Concerns

Experts advise being cautious even if there is little data on edibles in general and Accutane in particular. Accutane’s toxicity or efficacy may increase when two drugs that need to be processed by the liver are combined. It’s critical to watch for any strange symptoms and notify your healthcare physician immediately.

Issues Regarding Smoking and Accutane Use

Smoking can make your Accutane treatment more difficult in several ways, regardless of whether you smoke tobacco, cannabis, or other substances.

• Effect on Therapy: It is well known that smoking narrows blood vessels, which lowers blood flow to the skin and hinders the healing of wounds. Anything that interferes with your skin’s natural ability to heal itself is counterproductive because Accutane is meant to improve the state of your skin. Additionally, smoking can exacerbate Accutane’s adverse effects, such as lips and skin dryness, making the medication even more painful.
• Possible Dangers and Side Effects: Smoking and Accutane together may increase the chance of more serious side effects. Accutane is known to raise cholesterol and affect liver function; these side effects can be made worse by smoking. If you smoke for an extended period of time while taking Accutane, you may develop more severe health disorders, such as chronic lung ailments or cardiovascular difficulties.

Substitutes for Accutane

Examining safer, more natural acne-clearing options to Accutane may be worthwhile in light of the possible drawbacks associated with cannabis use. Various treatments are available at the Face Five Acne Clinic, emphasizing holistic and non-invasive approaches to acne management and clearing. 

Without the severe side effects of Accutane, these substitutes can offer positive outcomes. You can continue taking cannabis without having to worry about it interfering with a strong drug like Accutane if you choose a natural treatment strategy. With that said, even when I treat my clients at Face Five, I’m often most on the lookout for anything that may be causing a hormonal imbalance for my patients. For women, studies have shown an association between marijuana use and menstrual cycle disruptions. For men, there’s data showing an effect on testosterone levels. Anecdotally, one of my most severe encounters I’ve had with back acne was a young man that used marjuana heavily. Once he stopped, while also diligently following our program, he cleared up right up. The point is, if we have a sense that marjuana is affecting your hormones substantially, then I may suggest discontinuing marjuana when trying to clear your skin. The important thing to note is not everyone is the same and our acne triggers vary, but unlike drugs like Accutane, we can adjust our programs as we go to find the best long term solution your unique skin. 

A Summary 

While Accutane is a highly effective treatment for severe acne, its interaction with cannabis, whether smoked or consumed as edibles, presents several risks. From potentially altering the effectiveness of the medication to exacerbating its side effects, combining the two substances can be problematic. 

If you’re considering Accutane and are a regular cannabis user, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to understand the potential risks fully. Additionally, exploring natural alternatives, such as those offered by the Face Five Acne Clinic, could provide a safer and equally effective route to clear skin. You shouldn’t put your health at risk for the sake of reducing or eliminating acne. Be sure to make the best decision for your health by speaking with us. 

 

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Note: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Face Five Acne, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of running an Acne Clinic for over ten years.