accutane

1. Bloodwork will be necessary before starting Accutane, and, thereafter, on a monthly basis as long as you are being treated with this drug, to check your body's response. If you have your bloodwork done at an outside lab, we cannot renew your prescription for Accutane until we have received these bloodtest results. If the monthly bloodwork is done at OMG, your Accutane prescription will be given to you at the time of your visit.

2. To maintain a constant level of the medication in your body and assist in a positive result, it is important that you take the medication as prescribed, and do not run out of medication. To ensure this, we advise you to have your blood drawn at least 5 to 7 days before your prescription runs out.

3. You may find your acne getting worse during the early period of your treatment. Do not be alarmed; this condition is usually temporary. For this reason, your doctor may prescribe for you various topical medications, in addition to use and, possibly, an oral antibiotic.

4. Female patients: You must not take Accutaneif you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. Accutane can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy or should you become pregnant within 1 month after completing the course of treatment. Therefore, start an effective form of birth control 1 month before treatment and continue until 1 month after treatment. Accutane should not be taken if you are a nursing mother.

5. Accutane is related to vitamin A. Please avoid taking vitamin supplements containing Vitamin A, because they may cause unwanted side effects.

6. Tetracycline, an oral antibiotic, should not be taken during course of treatment, as it may result in an adverse drug interaction with Accutane.

7. Always take Accutane with food.

8. During treatment, you may experience other side effects. The most common are:

Dry skin (face and body) -- moisturizers may be used to alleviate dryness (OFM Lotion-Oil Free Moisturizer) . Also, Vitamin E capsules (taken orally) for all-over dryness may be prescribed by your doctor. If dryness becomes severe, please call the office.

Dry lips -- this side effect is very common and will usually last throughout the course of your treatment. Medicated Lip Balm/Ointments may be used daily.

Increased sensitivity to the sun -- your skin will be more sensitive to the sun; therefore, avoid unprotected sun exposure. Always wear a high SPF sunscreen when exposed to sunlight (Sunstop Stick).

Dry eyes -- if you wear contact lenses, you may find that you are less able to tolerate them during the months of therapy, and for apprroximately a month after therapy has ended.

Itching, rash and skin fragility -- the doctor may recommend a medicated lotion or cream (Anti Pruritic Lotion). Avoid facial or body hair waxing during Accutane therapy; some of our patients have reported irritation and redness after this type of hair removal.

Mild nosebleeds -- due to dryness of the mucous membranes, your nose may bleed more easily. Your doctor may prescribe nasal drops or ointments to alleviate this (AYR, Nasal, etc).

Aching joints -- may occur if you are physically active. Please report this to your doctor.

9. Accutane may cause some less common, but potentially more serious side effects. Be alert for any of the following:

Headaches, nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, swift mood changes, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, persistently dry eyes, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and/or dark urine.

If you experience any of the above, discontinue the Accutane^, and check with your doctor immediately. Any of these symptoms could be an early sign of a more serious problem.