When no medication works for treating acne, doctors tend to prescribe Accutane. It is quite a strong drug and comes with plenty of restrictions as well as side effects.
Yes, you can go to the gym while on Accutane. There are no physical restrictions for Isotretinoin. However, you should be aware of the side effects and stop exercising if you experience headaches, chest pains, or nausea. Drinking water and a proper diet will improve your energy levels during exercise.
While the answer is generally straightforward, there are several factors to consider. We know you are eager to find out more, so let’s get started.
What Is Accutane and What Are the Side Effects?
Isotretinoin or Accutane is a potent medication used for acne treatment and clearing your skin. It is also used in the treatments of certain kinds of cancer. So you can see, this medicine is not child’s play!
Well, this cure also comes with some side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Extremely dry skin
- Nausea
- Sore muscle
- Vomiting
- Muscle ache
- Blurred vision
- Heartburn
- Stomach ache
- Rise in creatine level
This drug comes with some serious side effects, that’s no secret. But these consequences are supposed to vanish once you finish the first course stop taking Accutane. However, this medicine reacts differently to each person, so you may not face the same risk as others.
Can You Go to the Gym While on Accutane?
If you love to work out, but the doctor has prescribed you Accutane, you are curious to ask this question. To be honest, there is no specific restriction for patients on Isotretinoin to exercise or participate in any physical activity. Also, going to the gym on antibiotics is fine too, but you may experience weakness as your body is actively fighting an infection.
However, people who are into intense workouts have felt some discomfort. Let us tell you the problems that may occur while exercising on Accutane.
Joint Pain
One of the regular side effects of Isotretinoin is muscle aches. Therefore, you may feel aching in your knees, shoulders, and other joints while running or doing your regular cardio. Several reports of this side effect have been seen, so you need to stay careful about it.
If the ache in joints is tolerable, there’s nothing much to be afraid of. But when it becomes serious, you should stop it immediately.
Back Pain
A patient on Accutane may start feeling back pain while lifting weights or any other strength training. So if you follow an extreme workout regime, you should switch to a moderate one when you are on this medication.
Feel Sluggish During Training
Another problem while exercising on this drug is that you may feel slow or inactive during your workout session. And if you keep exercising in this condition, any accident can happen.
So the moment you feel any discomfort or blurred vision during exercising, stop that immediately.
Well, you can see, if you are into serious strength training, extreme cardio, or weight lifting, you will feel more distress while on Accutane. But there is no restriction for lightweight exercises, so keep doing that until you heal your acne.
Can Going to the Gym Have Negative Effects on Accutane Treatment?
Going to the gym is highly recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle; however, it is imperative to consider the potential negative impact on Accutane treatment. Working out vigorously while undergoing this medication might lead to joint pain and increased risk of injury. Prioritizing health is crucial, but maintaining caution during Accutane treatment should be a top concern. Remember, your well-being should not compromise the effectiveness of this acne medication. Understanding why gym memberships impact your credit is unrelated to this topic.
What Should I Do to Stay Better While on Accutane?
While prescribing Accutane, your dermatologist will give you full instruction on what to do and what not. So all you have to do is follow your doctor’s prescription completely. And here are some tips that will help you to walk smoothly through your Accutane journey.
- You have to drink lots of water every day to keep your body hydrated.
- Apply moisturizer to your body twice a day, and if you need more, don’t hesitate to use more!
- You should always use sun protection before going out in daylight. But don’t apply anything that will trigger your acne problems.
- Always keep a chapstick by your side and apply it on your lips to avoid cracking.
- Avoid taking any supplements that contain vitamin A.
- Do not take part in any physical activity that causes severe strain.
- Avoid consuming post or pre workout drinks with protein supplements.
- Don’t go through any cosmetic procedures such as tanning or tattoos.
Frequently Asked Question
- Does Accutane mess with your muscle strength and body weight?
Though people sometimes mention losing or gaining weight while on Accutane, it hasn’t been proven. And FDA hasn’t listed weight change as a significant side effect of this drug as there’s no evidence. And it doesn’t do anything with your muscle strength, but you may feel a bit inactive while on this medication.
- Can I drink alcohol when I’m on Accutane?
Isotretinoin affects liver function; thus, you shouldn’t drink alcohol when you take this medicine. It will weaken your liver, and your health condition will get worse.
However, if you don’t drink excessively, you don’t have to be worried. But you should talk to your doctor about alcohol consumption to be on the safe side.
- Can I donate blood while doing acne treatment with Isotretinoin?
When you donate blood, you don’t know who will receive it. And Isotretinoin has many side effects, and it is really dangerous for pregnant women, can end the life of the unborn child. Therefore, you should avoid giving blood until you stop using it.
- Is it okay to do yoga when I am taking Accutane?
Yes, you can do yoga or any light to moderate exercise when you are using this medication.
- Can Accutane cause extremely dry skin?
As Accutane restricts the oil production in your skin, you may suffer from excessively dry skin for weeks. And that can be tough to deal with. Hence, you need to apply moisturizer generously, twice, or thrice a day.
Conclusion
Can you go to the gym while on Accutane? Well, the answer is positive. But can you do an excessive workout? That’s a total no-no!
However, suppose you ever feel any sign such as extreme chest, joint ache, or palpitation. In that case, you should immediately talk to your doctor before anything goes wrong. And always follow what the professional says; that’s the best way to ensure a safe experience.
