Accutane

Why should Accutane not be prescribed?

If Accutane gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to use it.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should not take Accutane if you are pregnant, if you think there is a possibility you might get pregnant during the treatment, or if you are unable to keep coming back to the doctor for monthly checkups, including pregnancy testing.

Special warnings about Accutane

Stop taking Accutane and notify your doctor immediately at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Although they are rare, serious and even fatal allergic reactions have been known to occur.

When you first start taking Accutane, it is possible that your acne will get worse before it starts to get better.

Accutane may cause depression or other mental problems. In rare cases, it has prompted thoughts of suicide. If you begin to feel depressed or become troubled by suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.

Before starting Accutane therapy, all patients must sign a consent form noting that they are aware of the possibility of mental side effects, the danger of birth defects, and the need for certain other precautions.

If you are a woman of childbearing age and you are considering taking Accutane, you will be given both spoken and written warnings about the importance of avoiding pregnancy during the treatment. You will also be asked to sign a second consent form noting that:

• You must not take Accutane if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment;
• If you get pregnant while taking Accutane, your baby will be at high risk for birth defects;
• If you take Accutane, you must use 2 effective forms of birth control from 1 month before the start of treatment through 1 month after the end of treatment;
• You must have 2 negative pregnancy tests (one just before starting Accutane therapy), and must be tested every month during therapy;
• You may participate in a program that includes an initial free pregnancy test and birth control counseling session;
• If you become pregnant, you must immediately stop taking Accutane and see your doctor;
• You have read and understood the Accutane patient brochure and asked your doctor any questions you had;
• You have been invited to participate in a survey of women being treated with Accutane.