Can Just One Accutane Pill Cause Hair Loss?

I was prescribed Accutane for my acne, but I only took one pill before deciding that it wasn’t the course I wanted to take after all. I’m scared that that one pill could have led to my thinning hair. I’ve read stuff that even one dose of finasteride binds to 5AR2 enzymes and the half life to unbind is 30 days! So I’m thinking there’s some similar mechanism in Accutane i.e. just one pill can affect more than just one day…

Simply put — the answer to your question is “no”. While the mechanism of action for Accutane (isotretinoin) is not known, it is thought to reduce the secretion of sebum. I highly doubt it has any association with the mechanism of action of Propecia (finasteride). Plus, I would doubt that it would cause damage to your hair after taking just one pill (it is not cyanide).

Discuss your concerns with the doctor who prescribed you the medication. Your hair loss is most likely independent of Accutane and you may even benefit from that medication if it was prescribed to you be your physician. It isn’t a guarantee that everyone taking Accutane will see hair loss. Each person reacts to medication differently.