How do I refill my Accutane prescription while at school?
Accutane is an oral medication used to treat acne's most severe form that other treatments, including antibiotics, have not alleviated. This nodular acne is characterized by red, swollen, tender lumps, which can be the size of a pencil eraser or larger. Left untreated, this type of acne can lead to permanent scars. The use of Accutane can have serious and even permanent side effects. The most significant of these include mental health problems, and if a pregnant woman, congenital disabilities take the medication. In a few cases, Accutane use has been linked to suicide.
The company that makes Accutane, along with the Food and Drug Administration, has developed guidelines for prescribing this medication that went into effect in April 2002. These guidelines require training for the prescribing providers; trained providers are issued special stickers attached to all Accutane prescriptions. Also, prescriptions must be filed within 7 days of being written. If your provider agrees, an out-of-state prescription can be filled in Washington as long as requested within the 7-day time limit.
Health staff at CHWS feel that students on this medication need to be seen by a specialist who has received training to prescribe Accutane. Students taking Accutane need to be seen by a dermatologist every month. The course of treatment usually runs 4-6 months. Students can have required lab work done at CHWS and obtain contraception at CHWS (required for females on Accutane). We will provide documentation of these services to the prescribing dermatologist with the student's permission.
Here is a list of local dermatologists who are accepting new patients:
Cascade Eye & Skin Center
Multiple locations: Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Auburn
253.200.5380
Puyallup Dermatology Clinic
929 East Main Ave. Puyallup, WA
253.841.2453
James Komorous MD
1901 South Union Ave. B-2003, Tacoma, WA
253.752.7705
You will need to call 1-2 months in advance to schedule an appointment. Consider asking your dermatologist at home for a referral to a provider in the Puget Sound area. You might also consider scheduling your Accutane treatment so that you can follow up and complete it with your prescribing provider at home.