Re: donating blood/accutane

February 27, 2002

I don't know specifically, but I noticed that when I gave blood the other

day. I know that they are very firm in telling you not to get pregnant when

you are on accutane, and when I asked my Dr. about it he basically said no,

he wouldn't prescribe it for me for my condition, because it was just too

strong and too risky...

February 28, 2002

I got this off of the Walgreens web site. I'm guessing that the

problem is that the accutane shows up in every body secretion.

Notice that men should be very careful if they're on accutane and

their partner is pregnant.

This is also the drug that a pregnant pharmacist cannot handle, I

believe.

So, given that it shows up in bodily fluids, and that is has so many

side effects, that is probably why you cannot give blood while on it

or for 30 days after stopping.

Accutane:

Generic Name: ISOTRETINOIN (eye-soe-TRET-i-noyn)

Drug Manufacturer: ROCHE

Common Uses: This medicine is a retinoid used to treat severe acne.

It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your

doctor.

How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this

medicine provided by your doctor. READ AND COMPLETE THE INFORMED

CONSENT FORM with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A MEDICATION

GUIDE. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any

questions that you may have about this medicine. Starting on April

10, 2002, your prescription must have a yellow " Qualification

Sticker " attached to it in order for the pharmacy to fill it. The

preceding requirements apply in the United States. If you live in

Canada or in any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist

for your specific regulations. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or

chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. STORE

THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away

from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as

soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the

missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take

2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE VITAMIN A, or vitamin supplements containing

vitamin A, while you are taking this medicine. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT

LENSES, you may have difficulty wearing them during and after

therapy. REPORT ANY CHANGES IN VISION to your doctor immediately. A

SUDDEN DECREASE IN NIGHT VISION may occur while you are taking this

medicine. Use caution when driving at night and avoid driving at

night if you experience this effect. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE

increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun,

sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this

medicine. Use sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside

for a prolonged period. TO PREVENT CRACKING OF LIPS, use a lip

lubricant. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work, and

acne may even worsen during the first few days of therapy. KEEP ALL

DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine.

DO NOT DONATE BLOOD for transfusion during therapy or for 30 days

after stopping therapy. DO NOT have cosmetic procedures to smooth

your skin (e.g., waxing) during and for six months after isotretinoin

therapy. Skin scarring may occur. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine

may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask

your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Semen from a male who is using this drug may pose a risk to a

pregnant woman. Consult your doctor. This statement is based on

information for a similar drug, acitretin. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS

MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE

PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. You must have two negative

pregnancy tests before starting this medication. You must have a

monthly pregnancy test during treatment with isotretinoin. If the

test is positive, you must stop taking this medicine and consult your

doctor immediately. Use two reliable forms of birth control together

for at least 1 month before beginning therapy, during therapy, and

for 1 month after this medicine is stopped. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS

MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking

this medicine.

Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during

treatment, include temporary worsening of acne; dry and peeling skin;

itching; rash; thinning of hair; fatigue; or dry mouth, nose, or

eyes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience bone,

joint, or muscle pain or stiffness; abdominal pain; yellowing of the

skin or eyes; dark urine; hearing loss or ringing in the ears; rectal

bleeding; severe diarrhea; skin infections; persistent, severe

headaches; vomiting; or blood red vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR

IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms

of toxicity: mood or personality changes; depression; or suicidal

thoughts or tendencies. If you notice other effects not listed above,

contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

> I don't know specifically, but I noticed that when I gave blood the

other

> day. I know that they are very firm in telling you not to get

pregnant when

> you are on accutane, and when I asked my Dr. about it he basically

said no,

> he wouldn't prescribe it for me for my condition, because it was

just too

> strong and too risky...

>

February 28, 2002