Starting Accutane, a few concerned questions i have

[liverpool_fc]

Hi im starting a 1 month course of accutane at 40mg per day after a failed attempt with minocycline and tetra-something...Im wondering if it is safe to drink while on accutane as well as wearing contact lenses. I read on my side effect paper after picking up accutane that it may cause difficulty wearing contact lenses after finishing the pills. Is this true? and how likely or how many of you have experienced decrease in night vision? To tell you the truth im pretty scared right now in taking this after reading the list of side effects etc. Is there anyone that has personally taken accutane that can provide me with some information about all this?

Thanks so much.

[rye0585]

Do not drink while you are on accutane,it may damage your liver. You should be having to have a blood test every month or so to monitor liver function, and drinking will just make it worse.

I wore contacts during Accutane though.

[loiloi]

Hi. I have taken accutane twice. Your eyes may become dry on accutane so you may wish to wear glasses. Or talk to your optician about different types of contacts- I wore silicone contact lenses for 10 hours a day whilst on accutane.
Accutane can affect your liver function so drink responsibly. It is not necessary to avoid alcohol altogether.
With a bit of common sense, you can carry on with your normal life while on accutane. Make sure you wear sunscreen as severe sunburn can result if you go out without it. The most obvious side effect will be dry lips, so use Vaseline or Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream.
Most of the side effects listed are rare or very rare. Feel free to email me on the forum or send me a private message any time. Eloise x

[sarahb2008]

Hi liverpool,

I recently completed a course of Accutane and didn't have any problems and it cleared my acne completely.  You're not supposed to drink alcohol while on Accutane due to liver risks.  I was able to wear my soft contacts the whole time although I've heard contacts can be harder to wear, especially hard contacts.  I've heard 5% of people have difficulty seeing at night while on Accutane.  You're not supposed to take any vitamin A supplements while on Accutane.  There's a link to managing Accutane side effects on website:  www.vitaminA.org.

sarahb2002

[jendo]

I had to wear sunglasses at nite while taking accutane 10 yrs ago, and my vision has been skrewed up ever since