is accutane on line a scam

Forum: Accutane Online - Scam or Not?

Post by CuriousCat

Hi everyone,

I've been doing some research online for Acne treatments and came across several sites advertising Accutane. They claim they can ship it from the USA to anywhere in the world. Is this really possible? I'm worried it might be a scam.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Reply by DocKnows

Hi CuriousCat,

That's a great question, and one that requires careful consideration. First of all, Accutane is a brand name for isotretinoin, which is a powerful medication used to treat severe acne that hasn't responded to other treatments.

Here are some things you need to know:

Prescription Required: Isotretinoin/Accutane can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and should never be purchased without a valid prescription.
Online Pharmacy Cautions: There are many websites that claim they can ship medications like Accutane directly to your home, but these sites may not follow the same safety regulations as legitimate pharmacies. They could also be selling counterfeit drugs or ones that have been tampered with.
Side Effects and Risks: Isotretinoin comes with serious side effects, including depression, birth defects, and severe skin conditions like eczema. It must be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

If you're considering Accutane, I would strongly recommend seeing your dermatologist or primary care physician to discuss the risks and benefits in person. They can prescribe it if they believe it's right for you.

Reply by ConcernedCamel

Hey DocKnows,

Thanks so much for this information! It was really helpful.

I've been dealing with severe acne for years, and I'm definitely considering Accutane as a last resort. But now that I know the risks involved, I think I'll book an appointment to see my dermatologist first.

Is there anything specific I should ask them during my visit?

Reply by DocKnows

Hello ConcernedCamel,

You're very welcome! It's great to hear you�re taking this step carefully. Here are some key questions to ask your dermatologist:

Evaluation of Current Condition: "Could you explain how severe my acne is and whether Accutane would be the best treatment option for me?"
Alternative Treatments: "Are there any other treatments or medications that might work just as well but with fewer side effects?"
Prescription Details: "How long will I need to be on this medication, and how often do I need follow-up appointments?"
Monitoring Side Effects: "What kind of tests or monitoring do you recommend while I�m taking Accutane? What should I look out for in terms of side effects?"
Pregnancy Risk: If you�re a woman of childbearing age, it�s crucial to ask: �How can I ensure that I won�t become pregnant during and after the treatment period?�

Also, make sure your dermatologist explains the iPLEDGE program if they are considering prescribing isotretinoin. This is a mandatory risk management program designed to prevent birth defects.

Reply by CuriousCat

Thanks DocKnows,

I think both ConcernedCamel and I will go see our doctors soon. It's really reassuring to have all this information before making such an important decision.

Any tips for finding a reliable dermatologist?

Reply by DocKnows

You're welcome, CuriousCat!

Finding the right dermatologist can make a big difference in your treatment outcome. Here are some tips:

Ask Your Primary Care Physician: They often have recommendations and can refer you to someone they trust.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Look for online reviews on sites like Healthgrades or Google. Pay attention not just to the ratings but also to comments about how well the dermatologist communicates with patients and addresses concerns.
Insurance Coverage: Make sure the dermatologist is covered by your insurance plan. You can check this with both your insurance company and the clinic.
Specialization in Acne Treatment: Look for a dermatologist who has experience specifically treating acne, as not all skin specialists may have equal expertise.

Once you�ve found one or two potential dermatologists, consider scheduling an initial consultation to see if their approach and communication style are right for you.

Good luck! I�m sure you�ll find the best care possible.