Is it Safe To Get A Tattoo While Using Accutane?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the safety of getting a tattoo while using the acne medication, Accutane (isotretinoin).
Is it possible to get a tattoo while I'm using Accutane for acne?
Sep 08, 2022- It is generally recommended to avoid getting a tattoo for at least 6 to 12 months after stopping Accutane because the medication makes skin more fragile and may impair wound healing.
- A tattoo creates a wound to the skin, and there is concern that it may not heal appropriately or could take longer to heal while on Accutane, which could increase scarring risk.
- While some research found limited evidence that Accutane significantly impaired wound healing, the safer approach is to wait until after you have stopped the medication to get your tattoo.
Answer
It is generally recommended to avoid invasive skin procedures, such as getting a tattoo, laser hair removal, and dermal abrasions, for at least 6 to 12 months after stopping Accutane (isotretinoin).
There is, unfortunately, a lack of published information on this topic but we do know isotretinoin causes the skin to become more fragile. It is thought to impair wound healing, which could increase the risk of scarring.
Since the process of getting a tattoo is essentially creating a wound to the skin, there is concern that the tattoo may not heal appropriately, or take longer to heal.
One case study, published in the International Journal of Dermatology, reported the following on the matter:
"Our case illustrates that oral isotretinoin could impair wound healing after tattooing. The tattoo was quite small, but one can wonder about the outcomes if the tattoo had been larger."
There is some controversy on this subject however and the results reported in this particular case study are far from definitive or applicable to everyone.
A large review study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found very limited evidence that isotretinoin impaired wound healing to a significant degree after reviewing over 1,400 skin procedures in those exposed to the drug.
Nevertheless, we may want to follow the old adage of 'better safe than sorry' here.
You want your tattoo to look its best on your skin and it would be prudent to avoid anything that may impair how your skin heals after the procedure.
About Accutane
Accutane contains isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative. It is known as a 'retinoid'.
It works to treat acne via a variety of mechanisms, but overall, it decreases sebum production and reduces the formation of comedones and acne lesions.
Due to the serious risk of birth defects, it can only be obtained in the US after enrollment in iPledge, a federally mandated safety program that requires females of childbearing potential to use two forms of contraception and pass two negative pregnancy tests before receiving a prescription. Your prescriber and pharmacist can walk you through all the requirements that apply to you.
It is available under a number of names, including:
- Accutane
- Myorisan
- Absorica
- Amnesteem
- Claravis
- Sotret
- Zenatane
Final Words
Thank you so much for reaching out to us!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Isotretinoin
- A powerful medication derived from vitamin A that is used to treat severe acne by reducing oil production and preventing acne lesions from forming.
- Retinoid
- A class of compounds derived from vitamin A that are used in skin treatments and can affect how skin heals and regenerates.
- Sebum
- The natural oily substance produced by skin glands that can contribute to acne formation when produced in excess.
- Comedones
- Clogged pores in the skin that appear as blackheads or whiteheads and are a primary feature of acne.
- Wound healing
- The biological process by which the skin repairs itself after an injury or procedure.
- Dermal abrasions
- Medical or cosmetic procedures that intentionally remove the outer layers of skin to improve appearance or treat skin conditions.
- IPledge
- A federally required safety program in the United States that monitors the use of isotretinoin to prevent serious birth defects.
- Scarring
- Permanent marks or indentations left on the skin after a wound heals, which can occur if healing is impaired.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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