Does the Acne Drug Accutane Cause Hair Loss?

I have been prescribed [tag]isotretinoin[/tag] for my [tag]seborrheic dermatitis[/tag] and I’m afraid that it might cause [tag]hair loss[/tag]?

[tag]Thinning hair[/tag] is one of the of the many known side effects of [tag]Accutane[/tag] (isotretinoin). In many cases, this hair loss is temporary. However, for those susceptible to the effects of [tag]androgenic alopecia[/tag] (genetic [tag]baldness[/tag]), there is always a chance that these weakened hairs may not regrow.

I have no documentation to support this, but I suspect that [tag]Rogaine[/tag] ([tag]minoxidil[/tag]) may help to counter the increased [tag]balding[/tag] from Accutane as it is a vasodilator that increases blood flow to the follicles. But, I would certainly discuss that with your dermatologist.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
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