Accutane Question

FutureCadet58

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Dec 16, 2014
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hello everyone! I received my USAFA appointment last week and I was going through the follow up medical paperwork for appointees and something came to my attention...

After my DODMERB (in which I was deemed qualified) I was prescribed accutane to get rid of some mild but persistent acne on my face. Nothing bad, just normal teenage acne. No other medications would work. After 4 months my face is completely clear and I have been off it for already for about two weeks. I just found out that accutane could be potentially disqualifying until 8 weeks after completion of the treatment. I will be off a total of 15 weeks by the time I-day rolls around....my doctor can vouch for me that during and after my trial on accutane I have experienced NO changes to my mental or physical health, no side affects what's so ever, and all my blood tests were completely healthy with no changes during and post treatment. I feel better than ever and again: I am off it and I will be off it well over 8 weeks by the time I report, and I am completely healthy. I see no reason why I wouldn't still be qualified at this point in time because of my health, and I firmly believe that after the 8 week time frame is up there will be no question about it, I will be completely qualified, however, I am aware that this has to go through DODMERB regardless.....


I know that I must to report to DODMERB, which I am doing first thing tomorrow to try to handle it. Does anyone know if it will be an issue or if they will give me a waiver? Or do I have to wait until 8 weeks to be "qualified again"? Will I need another checkup by DODMERB? Or can my derm just forward them the blood results and a note stating that I am 100% healthy, with no side affects? I will get these answers tomorrow by DODMERB but I would like to have a little more knowledge before jumping into this. My parents are now very concerned with this issue and we do not want it to jeopardize the amazing opportunity that I have been granted. Thank you for your help in advance and hopefully I can solve this tomorrow with no problems! :thumb:
 
You normally need to be off of it for a year so IMO it will be an issue. They may or may not give you a waiver. I do hope it works out for you though, maybe they'll have mercy given you've been of it for 15 weeks, especially since your addressing it with them proactively.
 
You normally need to be off of it for a year so IMO it will be an issue. They may or may not give you a waiver. I do hope it works out for you though, maybe they'll have mercy given you've been of it for 15 weeks, especially since your addressing it with them proactively.

The DoDMERB qualification list says under skin conditions that Accutane is disqualifying until 8 weeks after treatment. After 8 weeks you are qualified. Plus there is no trace of it in my system because I had no negative bodily side affects whatsoever..... I hope it isnt a problem but I will take any medical tests to prove that I am 100% and my Derm will write me a note saying that I didn't experience a single side affect and I have already conpleted the treatment. I am optimistic that everything will be solved tomorrow.
 
You normally need to be off of it for a year so IMO it will be an issue. They may or may not give you a waiver. I do hope it works out for you though, maybe they'll have mercy given you've been of it for 15 weeks, especially since your addressing it with them proactively.

See what you did there.
 
The DoDMERB qualification list says under skin conditions that Accutane is disqualifying until 8 weeks after treatment. After 8 weeks you are qualified. Plus there is no trace of it in my system because I had no negative bodily side affects whatsoever..... I hope it isnt a problem but I will take any medical tests to prove that I am 100% and my Derm will write me a note saying that I didn't experience a single side affect and I have already conpleted the treatment. I am optimistic that everything will be solved tomorrow.
You may well be correct. I was thinking of some other drug as I wrote that.
 
You may well be correct. I was thinking of some other drug as I wrote that.

My whole house is very, very, very tense leading up to tomorrow's phone call with DODMERB... We are all praying to God that taking accutane doesn't destroy my future. I cannot reiterate enough how healthy I am post accutane, I can't imagine being medically disqualified feeling perfectly 110% healthy.
 
My whole house is very, very, very tense leading up to tomorrow's phone call with DODMERB... We are all praying to God that taking accutane doesn't destroy my future. I cannot reiterate enough how healthy I am post accutane, I can't imagine being medically disqualified feeling perfectly 110% healthy.
Well if your understanding is correct then you've nothing to worry about. Stay calm for tomorrow.
 
Well if your understanding is correct then you've nothing to worry about. Stay calm for tomorrow.

Thank you, and I hope so! I feel like there is always something you can concern yourself with regarding the application process even after you have been accepted! On the flip side I have stressed over a lot of things about my application and everything has worked out perfectly thus far! Thanks for your help.
 
Just an update to anyone who might have issue in the future: I called today and they didnt seem to concerned, she asked for a blood test after the 8 weeks and I will be good to go! But definitely contact DoDMERB before taking accutane so you do not risk anything!
 
Just an update to anyone who might have issue in the future: I called today and they didnt seem to concerned, she asked for a blood test after the 8 weeks and I will be good to go! But definitely contact DoDMERB before taking accutane so you do not risk anything!
Glad to hear it!
 
Just to add a bit to this discussion if it should come up for other candidates. I know we worried a lot about using any medicine knowing that DS wanted to pursue Army. I think accutane use is pretty common among this age group due to acne. My DS ended up "remedial" through Dodmerb. He had been off accutane for three months at the time of medical exam at which he told the medical doctor, listed med etc. Dodmerb was super helpful when we called. Remedial request was to have the dermatologist write a letter stating exact "date that accutane was discontinued." Within two days of the letter being received and reviewed, he was deemed "qualified" .
Glad everything worked out!
 
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