[maymay]

I just saw in the paper today an article about accutane. There's going to be a national registry for people who take it starting in December. They're trying to prevent women who take the pills from getting pregnant because there's been miscarriages and birth defects like brain and heart defects, mental retardation and other abnormalities. I don't know if that info is of use to you but it also said that the patient would have to agree to monthly visits and take a pregnancy test each month, and sign a pledge saying you wont get pregnant and use two forms of birth control. It also said that patients need to sign a document saying that accutane could contribute to depression or suicidal thoughts. I think you should probably research accutane a little bit more and share your concerns with your DR. She will probably prescribe you something else if you let her know your concerns about accutane. Good luck to you, I hope you get this worked out.

[needsomeinfo]

I agree with maymay. I work in a pharmacy and you would not believe the guidelines that has to be met before Accutane can be dispensed. It is the only type drug (besides schedule II narcotics) on the market for which you can not have refills. You have to get a new prescription every month and it has to be dispensed to the patient within 7 days of the prescription being written. Also it has to have a special sticker on it or your prescription can not be filled. If you get pregnant or get someone else pregnant (for the guys out there) while on this drug, it is nearly GUARANTEED your baby will be deformed. PLEASE read the PPI (patient package insert) that came with this drug (its required by federal law that the PPI accompany it). If this drug is not used exactly right it is extremely dangerous.
have you tried tetracycline type antibiotics like minocycline? i'm not sure if they treat exactly the type acne you have but they are very popular for acne and are sometimes accompanied with a prescription for a topical prodcut for sporadic breakouts that the antibiotic doesn't catch