Blood Drug Testing

How much blood do they take during the Accutane blood tests?

I have to do that tomorrow, and I was wondering how long it takes and how much blood do they take, what are they checking for? They do a blood pregnancy test every month too right? don't be silly i'm quite serious I'm very aware of the consequences of becoming pregnant while on the drug. I'm not sexually active, but I understand that I still must have a pregnancy test every month, I was wondering if it was blood or urine test

Public Comments

1. they will take around 30 gallons of blood, no biggie.
2. They take very little, a couple of test tubes if I remember correctly. It should take no more than 15 minutes (not including waiting time). They are testing your cholesterol and hormone levels. Accutane has many dangerous side-effects. They are rare, but it is important to monitor for them anyway. I do not believe they do a monthly blood pregnancy test, but it is possible, it would mostly depend on what your doctor ordered. You are responsible for ensuring you do not get pregnant while on accutane. It is very dangerous, and you will be forced to live with the consequence if you do. If you are sexually active you MUST use contraceptives, it is imparative.
3. its fast doesnt hurt about an oz.
4. Just enough to fill a couple small vials...It's not as much as they take for a blood donation....They are checking your liver and kidney function to make sure that while being treated, those organs are functioning properly. Yes, one of the blood samples is for a pregnancy test because there can be serious risks to your baby if you are taking Accutane and become pregnant.
5. I was on Accutane years ago, and I don't remember them taking any blood. So, they must not have taken much, and it must have been very quick. I do remember warnings about the side effects that can arise from the drug (check your printout from the pharmacy to see that list). I know that pregnancy can result in serious birth defects. I also know that there's a risk of liver problems. I stopped taking it because I was having back spasms (they gave me muscle relaxants, but it just wasn't worth it, I was also getting nasty rashes everywhere.) Now, I just take Diane-35, and it works amazingly well.
6. I had a cousin that had those every month to check to see if Your cholesterol levels are fine and to see if Your liver functions properly and if Your hormone levels are stable.
7. I worked for a Dermatologist for eight years. As I recall it was only one tube of blood. They are checking to make sure everything is ok with your liver functions. Accutane can send your liver functions way out of whack. The doctor also needs to see you in person, to make sure you a doing well mentally. Accutane can make you extremely depressed, and quiet suddenly. We did not do follow up pregnancy tests, after the initial one. The lady using accutane was put on birth control pills, along with the accutane, by the doctor I worked for. Also be aware, if you are of driving age, that Accutane can affect your night vission. It can be extremely sudden. One day you are fine, the next, you are unable to properly see to drive. That side effect went away in both the patients we had, who developed it, once they stopped taking the drug. We also had a lovely young lady who very suddenly lost about 2/3rds of her hair. Once she stopped the drug, it grew back, lovely as ever. If you get the depression side effect, that is a no kidding side effect. Your world will suddenly come crashing down around you. Be SURE you reccognize it for what it is...the drug making your brain depressed. Call your parents immediately, and then your doctor. We had patients who had problems with the depression. They could take the medication for a month, then go off it for a month, then go back on. They were able to finish treatment and had lovely results, it just took longer. Be sure you are keeping out of the sun...your whole body! Remember it's making you sensative all over, not just your face. All the patients we had who completed the Accutane treatment had really lovely results. ~Garnet