Medication during Plebe Summer

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cjames44

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Aug 5, 2021
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Hello all!

I am C/O 2026, reporting soon. My dermatologist wants me to go on acutane, which I have no objection to other than not knowing if I can at the naval academy. It requires me to take medication daily and do a blood tests the first 2 months.

We, unfortunately, have not gotten the PRT yet so I have no information at the moment. I was wondering if anyone knows who I can talk to at the academy about this to gain more information and start making a moving on this issue.

Thank you in advance!
 
You should absolutely contact the USNA before taking this step. They will be the best to advise you. I can only say that my DS had to have his regime completed 6 months before report date. While on the medication my son was not supposed to have a lot of sun exposure and it really dehydrates you. The side effects can be severe. All of these would be a problem during plebe summer. I know how difficult this can be and I wish you all the luck getting through this step!!
 
I second LMcclain. This might be something you need to delay until sometime after you report. You definitely don't want to put yourself in a position where you're sent home during the reporting process. Contact USNA.
 
cjames44 said:
Hello all!

I am C/O 2026, reporting soon. My dermatologist wants me to go on acutane, which I have no objection to other than not knowing if I can at the naval academy. It requires me to take medication daily and do a blood tests the first 2 months.

We, unfortunately, have not gotten the PRT yet so I have no information at the moment. I was wondering if anyone knows who I can talk to at the academy about this to gain more information and start making a moving on this issue.

Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
You cannot start accutane before attending USNA. There are strict requirements for this medication. Make sure and reach out to proper authorities before beginning this!

Reach out here on the DODMERB thread, to the DODMERB authority, Mr Mullen. Or USNA. With any change in your medical status, as REQUIRED in the acceptance of your appointment (something to the effect of ‘report any changes to your status’ is actually stated).
 
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cjames44 said:
Hello all!

I am C/O 2026, reporting soon. My dermatologist wants me to go on acutane, which I have no objection to other than not knowing if I can at the naval academy. It requires me to take medication daily and do a blood tests the first 2 months.

We, unfortunately, have not gotten the PRT yet so I have no information at the moment. I was wondering if anyone knows who I can talk to at the academy about this to gain more information and start making a moving on this issue.

Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
I was on acutane. It was literally an awful experience in my life.

Acutane is a very experimental drug... so when I took it, I had terrible effects! (However, I am also a women and there is evidence that women suffer from worse side effects)

I had severe joint pain, headaches and a lot of feeling larthagic. The joint pain got so bad I couldn't play my sport without discomfort. I ended up quitting acutane so I could play.

If anything, I would suggest starting some now and seeing if you have any.
 
DO NOT start Accutane without checking with USNA Medical in advance -- unless you want to risk being turned away on I-Day. It may be possible for you to use Accutane during the summer; it may not. Only a medical officer at USNA can answer this question. This is one situation where it is 100% better to permission, not seek forgiveness.
 
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