accutane question...?

Question

I've had really embarrassing acne for several years. I am 17 years old. I've tried everything from Proactiv, Murad acne complex, to meds my family doctor, and dermatologist had given me. Right now i am on 2 creams my derm has prescribed they are Benza Clin and Tretinoin cream.She told me that if i didnt see results in 2 weeks that is wasnt going to work at all for me.She mentioned Accutane as something to try after this, but said i'd have to go on birth control. I told her i wasnt having sex, so i could get pregnant. She said i would have to anyway. If i get accutane, and have to go on Birth control, what do you have to do to get BC? I live with my dad, and i am the only girl, where would i have to go for it, an obgyn? that would be humiliating because I LIVE WITH MY DAD, is this something i could get on my own w/o dad? So anyways, i am thinking of calling my derm to see if she give accutane, i need a quick fix, b/c i have acting offers in L.A. and dont need this acne problem. thanks.

OPPS typo!!! I mean i COULDNT get pregnant.
sorry.

Answer 1

I have tried everything too like Proactive, Retin A, antibiotics, over the counter medications, injections in my face (ouch!), and finally Accutane. It worked wonders! I stayed on Accutane for about a year when I was 16 years old and it was the best thing I ever used for my acne!

Since you are a female you have to take a pregnancy test EVERY month before you can even get it refilled from the pharmacy! Even though I insisted I wasn't even having sex yet and couldn't possibly become pregnant they still MADE me take a pregnancy test every month. The guidelines are just really strict for Accutane because it can cause liver damage and SEVERE birth defects if a woman gets pregnant while taking it.

You can see a OBGYN if you want to get on birth control, or you can just see your regular family doctor. At 17 years old I was making my own doctor appointments and going to them by myself without my parents. You shouldn't be embarrassed. Just make an appointment and go.

If your dad is concerned you are getting on birth control then just tell him that it's a requirement to get on Accutane because it can cause severe birth defects. It doesn't mean that you are having sex, or now have an excuse to have sex. You are just protecting yourself just in case!

Good luck!