9 replies to this topic

[WackyJacki]

The day I got my prescription for Accutane (3 weeks ago, and I'm doing very well I might add ), I asked my derm about blood tests (she hadn't mentioned it). She said, "Someone your size, I wouldn't worry about it. We might do some testing later." Hmmmm... Now she's been a derm for 22yrs (I looked up her credentials before I saw her ), so I assume she knows what she's doing... but I'm still concerned. My next appt. is in a couple weeks... should I demand one?

Oh, and I'm 120lbs and she started me on 80mgs/day for moderate face/body acne. Kinda high! Is this woman nuts? lol

Jacki

[Simmy]

Do what your derm suggests.

if you're really that worried about it, ask for one

[-lxl-]

i think the derm knows what shes doing.... if you are really worried just ask her about it

[m00sie]

hrmmm that does sound like a high dosage for moderate acne. Im 130lbs and have been prescribed 30mg for light acne. I would definitely ask for a blood test, especially if you've been tough on your liver in the past aka you get absolutely trashed alcohol wise on a regular basis

[LucyCate]

The day I got my prescription for Accutane (3 weeks ago, and I'm doing very well I might add ), I asked my derm about blood tests (she hadn't mentioned it). She said, "Someone your size, I wouldn't worry about it. We might do some testing later." Hmmmm... Now she's been a derm for 22yrs (I looked up her credentials before I saw her ), so I assume she knows what she's doing... but I'm still concerned. My next appt. is in a couple weeks... should I demand one?

Oh, and I'm 120lbs and she started me on 80mgs/day for moderate face/body acne. Kinda high! Is this woman nuts? lol

Jacki

You're a female in the U.S. and you don't have to get a monthly blood test? What about the required monthly pregnancy tests for ipledge? Are you doing urine tests instead?

Honestly, if I were in your situation, I would ask my Dr. again about the tests. Even if you just have one done after your first month to see how your liver is handling the accutane. (especially when you're on 80mgs at 120lbs.) Maybe I'm just paranoid, but the test is quick/easy and I don't see any downside to checking your liver function. And what the heck did she mean by the "Someone your size..." comment.

Good luck!

[WackyJacki]

The day I got my prescription for Accutane (3 weeks ago, and I'm doing very well I might add ), I asked my derm about blood tests (she hadn't mentioned it). She said, "Someone your size, I wouldn't worry about it. We might do some testing later." Hmmmm... Now she's been a derm for 22yrs (I looked up her credentials before I saw her ), so I assume she knows what she's doing... but I'm still concerned. My next appt. is in a couple weeks... should I demand one?

Oh, and I'm 120lbs and she started me on 80mgs/day for moderate face/body acne. Kinda high! Is this woman nuts? lol

Jacki

You're a female in the U.S. and you don't have to get a monthly blood test? What about the required monthly pregnancy tests for ipledge? Are you doing urine tests instead?

Honestly, if I were in your situation, I would ask my Dr. again about the tests. Even if you just have one done after your first month to see how your liver is handling the accutane. (especially when you're on 80mgs at 120lbs.) Maybe I'm just paranoid, but the test is quick/easy and I don't see any downside to checking your liver function. And what the heck did she mean by the "Someone your size..." comment.

Good luck!

I do get a monthly pregnancy test, but with urine, not blood.

I plan on asking her again about the tests, and I think I'll just go with what she says.... we'll see!

I've been quite good to my liver (in response to the above post). Rarely drink (and NEVER get trashed), eat well, etc.

I think what she meant about "Someone your size", is that because overweight people tend to have higher cholesterol/liver issues then someone as thin as me (I'm 5'7, 120lbs). Of course that doesn't mean I'm not at risk, I'm just not as likely to suffer with those kind of problems.

I'm just trying not to be paranoid (as I tend to be a bit of a hyperchondriac!!)

Thanks for your responses everyone... I'm sure I'll be asking many more questions over the next 4-5 months....

[lamarr1986]

I went up to 90mg and i weighed 210 pounds, that dose caused me alot of problems aswell, but ofcourse everyone is different, but i would definently insist on a blood test, i eat healthy/workout etc, i'm very lean... It doesn't change how your body reacts to the drug. In your position i would insist on a blood test...

[fio]

hmm i dk. u should ask just in case. i weight 128lbs n started w/ 40mg then 80mg. n so. n my acne was moderate to severe.

[Wynne]

...I do get a monthly pregnancy test, but with urine, not blood.

I plan on asking her again about the tests, and I think I'll just go with what she says.... we'll see!

I've been quite good to my liver (in response to the above post). Rarely drink (and NEVER get trashed), eat well, etc.

I think what she meant about "Someone your size", is that because overweight people tend to have higher cholesterol/liver issues then someone as thin as me (I'm 5'7, 120lbs). Of course that doesn't mean I'm not at risk, I'm just not as likely to suffer with those kind of problems.

I'm just trying not to be paranoid (as I tend to be a bit of a hyperchondriac!!)

Thanks for your responses everyone... I'm sure I'll be asking many more questions over the next 4-5 months....

You're the same height as I am; I also weighed 120 when I took Accutane. I also was on 80mg a day. Slight liver enzyme elevations but nothing significant. I'd still want to know and check. Did she get a baseline level at least? It won't hurt to ask for blood work as you're concerned for your liver health and the possible effects of Accutane.

[WackyJacki]

No, she didn't get a baseline...

I started on 40mg for the first 2 weeks, and am now taking 80mg...

<sigh>