What should I watch for while using accutane?

You may experience a flare in your acne during the initial treatment period. You will need to see your doctor or health care professional monthly to get a new prescription and to check on your progress and for side effects. accutane can cause birth defects. Do not get pregnant while taking this drug. Females will need to have 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting accutane and then monthly pregnancy tests during treatment, even if you are not sexually active. Use 2 reliable forms of birth control together for 1 month prior to, during, and for 1 month after stopping accutane. Avoid using birth control pills that do not contain estrogen. They may not work while you are taking accutane. If you become pregnant, miss a menstrual cycle, or stop using birth control, you must immediately stop taking accutane. Severe birth defects may occur even if just one dose is taken. Do not breast-feed while taking accutane or for 1 month after stopping treatment. Do not give blood while taking accutane and for 30 days after completion of treatment to avoid exposing pregnant women to accutane through the donated blood. Some patients have become depressed or developed serious mental problems while taking accutane or soon after stopping. Stop taking accutane if you start feeling depressed or have thoughts of violence or suicide. Contact your doctor. accutane can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels and decrease HDL (the good cholesterol) levels. Your health care provider will monitor these levels and recommend appropriate therapy, including changes in diet or prescription drugs, if necessary. Alcohol can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol or high blood lipids. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking accutane. If you wear contact lenses, they may feel uncomfortable. If your eyes get dry, check with your eye doctor. accutane may decrease your night vision or cause other changes in vision. If you experience any change in vision, stop taking accutane and see an eye doctor. accutane can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin including waxing, dermabrasion, or laser therapy should be avoided during therapy and for at least 6 months after you stop because of the possibility of scarring. Check with your health care provider for advice about when you can have cosmetic procedures. accutane may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes check with your doctor or health care professional if you notice any change in your blood sugar tests.