Accutane Question

anonymousgoat

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I took my DoDMERB exam about half a month ago. Earlier today I went to see a doctor about my acne and he prescribed me Accutane. I know that taking Accutane is disqualifying for the exam, but if I have already taken my exam am I allowed to take Accutane. Do I need to wait until I deemed medically qualified first?
 
I would advise my own son not to take any medicine that would disqualify me for the exam. (even if you've already taken the DoDMERB) I believe, but correct me if I am wrong, that you will have to be medically qualified later in life...like at graduation...to continue your career, and need to update your file with this information.

More experienced people will advise you here, but do not take the medication until you hear back. Are there other alternatives that are not disqualifying?
 
I believe anything (injury, illness requiring treatment) that occurs after the exam must still be reported to DODMERB.

Taking Accutane after being deemed "qualified" could change your status as well.

If possible, stand by on the medication until you have an official DODMERB answer from Larry Mullen.
 
You should be careful in ignoring medical advice from your physician because you want to be qualified for the exam or stay qualified.
Your health comes first and this strategy could backfire. Of course you should always weight the risks vs benefits before undergoing any medical treatments.

Accutane is a powerful medicine and should only be taken after great consideration. You need to make sure you have the prescribed blood tests as well. If you are a female then you must be on birth control and take the iPledge program seriously.
That said - it works very very well for certain types of acne (nodular). Often it is a medicine of last resort.
Furthermore, serious acne can be a disqualifier. Even though you are now qualified by DoDMERB, if you show up on R-day with severe acne you may find yourself not-qualified.

Mr. Mullen can explain to you about serious acne being disqualifying and how long you need to be off accutane to be qualified by DoDMERB. You should also feel free to explore other alternatives to accutane if you haven't already.
 
JUST A MOM is correct...your health comes first. I probably didn't state my opinion clearly. Explore all options that you have with your doctor and your parents. Just taking the exam and becoming qualified doesn't mean whatever happens between now and acceptance will not be looked at. Do what's best for your health, but do your research.
 
A question for anonymousgoat:

When are you planning on entering a service academy or ROTC program??

Here are the concerns. Any Accutane use is disqualifying until 8 weeks after you discontinue the medication. Also if your acne is severe enough to warrant Accutane, then that could potentially be a disqualification. If you are entering a service academy or ROTC program this year then I would be sending Mr. Mullen an e-mail today. If you are not planning on entering until next year, then you have plenty of time to take a course of Accutane and have that issue cleared before next spring. I would jsut make sure that DoDMERB get all the paperwork regarding the Accutane use.

For USMAalltheway:

If the acne is mild and is controlled by over the counter treatments or even by prescription antibiotics there is no issue. You get beyone the antibiotic and into the Accutane class of drugs then there is an issue.
 
anonymousgoat - Your best course of action is to send me your posting; your full name and last 4 of your SSN; to Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil. I can advise you best from there. I will NOT provide you opinions, just facts:thumb:
 
I can advise you best from there. I will NOT provide you opinions, just facts:thumb:
I hope you mean that you can advise him only on DoDMERB policies regarding Accutane and Acne and not give medical advice.

If anyone on this thread gave incorrect DODMERB advice, I hope you will correct it publicly.
 
As stated throught the Forums, I do not nor do any staff members at DoDMERB provide medical advice. The DoDMERB standard answer when asked is: "That is a decision for you to make with your physician."

What I do, have done, will continue to do is advise people on how the standards, policies, procedures effect them directly. A new, but old thread will be posted on this shortly.:thumb:
 
Mr. Mullen clarified the medical policies on Accutane for me perfectly. As long as the treatment plan goes fine and I haven't had it in my system for 8 weeks, I should be able to get medically approved before I could receive an appointment for the class of 2014. Thank you everyone for your advice, especially Mr Mullen:smile:
 
anonymousgoat - Your best course of action is to send me your posting; your full name and last 4 of your SSN; to Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil. I can advise you best from there. I will NOT provide you opinions, just facts:thumb:
Hi - I realize this is an OLD post. If acutane was completed 2.5 years ago do we need any documentation for the DODMERB appointment - acne is a non issue now. Thank you.
 
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