Are there any studies on the effects of taking Roaccutane (isotretinoin) while suffering from anorexia?
(Female, 18) A: Although I couldn’t find results of specific studies on people who are suffering from anorexia nervosa and taking Roaccutane (drug name is isotretinoin), there are warnings about the combination of taking that drug when you have anorexia. The main concern is related to bone density and bone strength. This is because both isotretinoin and the malnutrition that can be present with anorexia can lead to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). Another important consideration is related to the risk of pregnancy. Isotretinoin has a high chance of causing birth defects in a baby if a mother is taking it during pregnancy. In fact, a condition of being prescribed the drug is that a woman is using contraception. Women with anorexia nervosa often do not have periods because they are malnourished and underweight. The problem could arise where a woman with anorexia and taking this drug, who is not having periods, doesn’t think she can be fertile or that she needs to use contraception a
