How to Get Through Your First Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Posted: 17 May 2016 05:00 PM PDT Going to your first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting can be challenging. You likely don't know what to expect or you have false images about AA meetings from the media, pop culture, and other alcoholics. Some people are court ordered to go to meetings and may feel resentful about being forced to attend. Remember that everyone in AA had to walk into their first meeting, so you are not alone in feeling scared or anxious. But once you walk in, you will be among friends, peers, and sources of support. EditPreparing for the Meeting - Understand the purpose of AA. Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is self-supporting, non-professional, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere in North America. There are no age or education requirements to becoming a member of AA. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.[1]
- The primary purpose of AA is to help addicts stay sober and assist others who may turn to AA for help achieving sobriety. AA does not recruit members, or actively seek to turn everyone sober. But AA welcomes new members and encourages sharing and support among members.[2]
- Some people are required to attend AA by court order. Others choose to attend AA due to their personal struggle with addiction. If you are not sure if AA is right for you, you can take a 12 question quiz on the Alcoholics Anonymous website to determine if you are ready for AA.[3]
- Learn the rules and guidelines of AA. You may be worried about being hugged as soon as you walk into an AA meeting or hounded with questions about your problems. In fact, AA meetings are not like going to the doctor or like going to a prayer circle. They are casual and though you may be encouraged to speak, you are not required to say anything and you can decline to speak if you are uncomfortable.[4] The AA/Support Group Guidelines, which are followed every meeting are:[5]
- Keep confidentiality: "What you hear stays here".
- Make "I" statements: Avoid using "you" or "we". For example: "I am Stephan. I am an alcoholic."
- Stay in the "Here and Now": Share what you are dealing with today or this week.
- Share feelings about your experiences, strengths, and hopes.
- No fixing or advice giving to other members.
- No crosstalk or asking of questions. Listen first.
- AA meetings do not cost anything to attend. There is usually a collection passed around at the end of the meetings to cover the cost of renting the meeting space and paying for refreshments. But there is no expectation to contribute.[6]
- Quite a few AA meetings are held in church halls, but only because they are convenient and affordable venues. AA groups are in no way affiliated with any religious organizations. The AA program can be spiritual, but what exactly this means is left up to individual members to decide.[7]
- Get familiar with the structure of an AA meeting. Every AA meeting is 1 hour long. It will have a set format and structure, so after your first meeting, you can expect mostly the same format every time. The only thing that will change is the topic of discussion.[8] One of the traditions of AA is that members are all trusted servants, so no one governs the group. But there will be a Chairperson who has volunteered to lead, or chair, that particular meeting. Usually this will be someone who has a number of years in AA recovery. The basic structure of most AA meetings is:[9]
- Welcome: Chairperson starts the meeting with a welcome such as, "I am Jenna, an alcoholic. I would like to welcome you to the Monday evening AA meeting. We would like to give a special welcome to new attendees and have you introduce yourselves." New attendees will then introduce themselves, though this is not required.
- Chairperson reads the "AA Preamble": "ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety."
- The Chairperson then asks a member to read the "How It Works" section from the AA book.
- The "12 Traditions" of AA are read by a member or members.[10]
- The AA/ Support Group Guidelines may be reviewed if new people are present.
- The Chairperson suggests a topic or step for discussion. Each time someone shares, they will begin by first saying their name, for example, Mark: "I am Mark, I am an alcoholic." The group will then respond with a greeting, such as "Hi Mark." After someone finished sharing, the group will respond with thanks, for example, "Thanks Mark." This builds respect.
- When it is time for the meeting to close, the Chairperson will ask the attendees for someone to chair the next meeting. She will then ask all attendees to stand and hold hands and say the "Serenity Prayer": "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".
- At the end of the prayer, the group may say "keep coming back it works if you work it".
- The meeting is now officially over. Attendees may stay and have informal discussions or ask questions of one another before leaving. Coffee or tea may be available after the meeting.
EditFinding the Right Meeting For You - Note the different types of AA meetings. Each AA group follows the rules and guidelines of the AA program, but they can have their own agenda and mandate. There are several different types of AA meetings:[11]
- Step meetings: Follow the 12 steps outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous.[12] Each meeting focuses on one of these steps. The step will be read out loud and commented on by members. Not everyone in the group will be on that step, but everyone gets a chance to talk about what the step means to them.
- Big Book meetings: These meetings use a reading for the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous to spark discussion.[13] Several pages may be read aloud by a volunteer and members take turns reading a portion of the Book. There is a round the room discussion of a chosen topic from the Book.
- Speaker meetings: These meetings are less participatory, as a single speaker will be talking for most of the meeting. The speaker will recount their experiences with alcohol and AA to instruct and guide other members. Some of these meetings will be open to the general public.
- Location specific meetings: A meeting can be formal or casual, based on the setting of the meeting. Church meetings (run by a church, not just a meeting held at a church) may be styled toward whichever religion is sponsored by the group. There are also smoking and non-smoking meetings offered, though with recent bans on smoking indoors, smoking meetings are less common.
- Beginner meetings: These are meetings for people who are new to AA and want to learn more about the program. The agenda and structure for these meetings will likely follow the traditional AA structure.[14]
- Open and closed meetings: Open meetings are for anyone and Closed meetings are for alcoholics only. Many groups don't adhere to this distinction and it is not uncommon for regular participants in a meeting to be unclear whether their meeting is officially open or closed. Family and friends of an AA members, as well as observers, are welcome at open meetings. Closed meetings are reserved for those who consider themselves alcoholics or who are investigating the possibility for themselves. Newcomers are always welcome to closed meetings.[15]
- Special purpose meetings: AA clubs often offer alternative to traditional drinking opportunities, such as alcohol-free holiday meetings and parties. These meetings are a safe place for alcoholics to go for the Super Bowl or to celebrate Halloween. Some meetings can focus on an event in a club member's life, such as a wedding or death of a loved one.
- Locate an AA meeting near you. Look for a list of meetings online on the Alcoholics Anonymous website, located here. You can also search online for the contact number of your local drug and alcohol commission. They often have local meeting lists available in their office. Any local treatment facilities will also provide you with a free local list of meetings.[16]
- Once you find your first meeting, you will be able to get a list of other meetings there. The meeting list will provide the name of the meetings, the time and place of the meetings, and what kind of meetings are available in your area.
- Besides the types of AA meetings, there are also certain group distinctions for each chapter. For example, meetings may be mixed (male and female), men only, or women only. Meeting schedules are indicated by codes (MO for men only, WO for women only) if a meeting is restricted.
- Ask someone in recovery for a meeting recommendation. This is one of the best ways to find a meeting that is right for your recovery. If you know someone who attends AA meetings or who is an existing member of AA, talk to her about which type of AA meeting might be the right fit.[17]
- It also may feel less scary or intimidating to attend an AA meeting based on a recommendation from someone already in AA.
- Find a buddy to attend the first meeting. If you have a friend or acquaintance who is an AA member, ask her if you can attend your first meeting in her group or together in a different group. You can also contact the your local AA Central Office and ask for a volunteer to call someone in AA who would be willing to go to a meeting with you.[18]
- Going to AA takes courage, so don't be afraid to reach out to existing AA members for support.
EditAttending the Meeting - Arrive on time. As part of AA protocol, meetings always start on time, on the dot. Try to get to the meeting 5 minutes early or right on time to ensure you can find a seat and get comfortable.[19]
- AA meetings always last one hour, and no longer. You should turn off your cell phone and shut off any other distractions for the duration of the meeting. You may be asked to leave if you disrupt the meeting with cross talk (or talking over others), cell phones, or any other inappropriate behavior.[20]
- Once you sit down, you will usually be welcome or greeted by AA members. They may introduce themselves or offer to shake hands. But you are not obligated to participate in small talk or share your personal story right away.[21]
- Listen and only share if you feel comfortable. Often, people's first AA meetings are about listening to others and learning how AA works. Though the Chairperson may ask you to share your thoughts during the discussion, you are in no way obligated to participate or respond. Simply decline to share if you are not ready and listen to others in the group. You'll soon discover you are in a room with peers who are struggling with the same feelings and issues as you.[22]
- Try to stay until the end of the meeting. One strategy newcomers might do is "arriving late and leaving early" due to fear or anxiety around attending the meeting. Do this will only lead to an unstructured meeting schedule and a stilted recovery. Counter this by arriving early for the meeting and leaving late. Stick around after the meeting and try to talk to the other members over refreshments.[23]
- By the end of the meeting, you should feel welcome and accepted in the group. Though you may have only listened for an hour, you should start to see the AA group as a place where you can be honest and open about your struggles.
- Go to another meeting if you feel it was useful. If you feel comfortable with the structure of the AA group, attend next week's meeting, or go to another meeting in another group. Over time, you should start to feel comfortable enough to participate in the discussions and share your inner struggles. As the AA mantra says,"keep coming back it works if you work it".
- Think about getting a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who can help you, as a newcomer, stay sober. They do this by sharing their own personal experiences and struggles. However, they are not doctors or professional therapists. An alcoholic who has remained sober for at least 6 months and has a desire to spend time with a newcomer is considered a good sponsor candidate. Generally, sponsors have worked through at least the first 5 steps of AA. They are volunteers who are not compensated financially for their time.[24]
- The sponsor will often suggest you work through the 12 steps of AA, and encourage you to attend AA meetings and connect with other members.
- The sponsor should not impose their personal views on you. They should not demand anything of you or try to control you. They should also never lend you money or help you get a job or an income. Instead, they should help you recognize triggers for your alcoholism and work through your daily struggles with alcohol.
- You should get together at least once a week with your sponsor, often before or after an AA meeting and whenever there is a special need.
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How to Lie Down in Bed During Pregnancy Posted: 17 May 2016 09:00 AM PDT Pregnancy brings more than its share of aches, pains, and awkward movements, especially with your growing belly. Finding a comfortable sleeping position when pregnant can be a challenge, especially when some pregnant women already struggle with insomnia.[1] But taking a few steps to prepare before you lie down or go to sleep can make all the difference. EditPreparing to Lie Down - Gather two to three pillows on the bed, or use a body pillow. When trying to lie down while pregnant, pillows are your best friend. Before you get into bed, pile on the pillows and ask your partner to help you position them for you so you can get comfortable. A long pillow, like a body pillow, is great for positioning against your back when you lie down on your side, or for you to hug when you sleep on your side.[2]
- You can also use a pillow to prop your head up so you don't get heartburn while lying down and place a pillow between your knees or under your belly to take pressure off of your back and legs. Many stores also sell a long body pillow designed to also go between your legs to support your hips when you're pregnant.
- Avoid drinking water right before lying down. Your doctor will likely recommend you drink lots of water during your pregnancy to stay hydrated. But avoid drinking a bit glass of water before lying down or before bed, as this may cause you to wake up several times during the night to go to the bathroom. Stop drinking water one hour before you plan to lie down.[3]
- Eat several hours before lying down. Many pregnant women suffer from heartburn, which can lead to discomfort and interrupted sleep. Prevent heartburn by skipping spicy meals a few hours before bed or before lying down. You should wait at least two hours after eating to lie down and relax so you don't develop heartburn.[4]
- If you start to feel heartburn once you lay down, use a pillow to prop your head up. Elevating your head can help your body to digest.
- Ensure your mattress does not sag or dip. To ensure you get a good night's sleep, make sure your mattress is firm and your box spring does not sag or dip. Place your bed on the floor if the box spring sags or use a board under your mattress to keep it even and firm.[5]
- If you are used to sleeping on a softer mattress, you may find switching to a harder mattress uncomfortable. Stick to the softer mattress if it is what you are used to and you have no issues getting a full night's sleep on the bed.
EditChoosing a Lying Down Position - Get into the lying position slowly and carefully. Sit on the bed, closer to the head of the bed than the foot of the bed. Move your body as far on to the bed as you can. Then, lower yourself down onto one side using your hands as support. Bend your knees slightly and pull them up onto the bed. Think of yourself as a rolling log, rolling on your side or on your back.[6]
- Have your pillows ready on your bed so you can position them easily once you lie down.
- Try to lie on your left side. Lying on your left side, or the "left lateral position" will help with your blood circulation and ensures your baby gets a sufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen from the placenta. Doctors also recommend sleeping on your left side to help with insomnia or other sleep issues during pregnancy.[7][8]
- Get comfy on your left side by placing a pillow between your legs, a pillow under your belly, and a pillow or a rolled up towel behind your back. You can also hug a full length body pillow for extra comfort.
- Another option is to sleep on your left side in a three quarter position. Lying on your left side, place your bottom arm behind you and your bottom leg straight out and down. Bend your top leg and rest it on a pillow. Bend your upper arm and place a pillow behind your head.[9]
- Roll over to your right side if you are uncomfortable. If your left side isn't comfortable for you or if it feels too awkward, try rolling onto your right side.[10] Complications with lying on your right side are almost nonexistent, so it's fine to choose the right side if it's more comfortable.
- Lie on your back during the first few weeks of pregnancy only. Sleeping on your back is fine for the first few weeks of pregnancy, when your uterus has not yet expanded and will not exert any kind of pressure on the vena cava, which is the vein that carries blood back to your heart. But by your second trimester, avoid lying on your back as it can lead to nausea and dizziness. It can decrease oxygen transmission to baby.[11]
- To lie on your back comfortably during your first few weeks of pregnancy, place a pillow under your thighs and let your legs and feet roll open to the side. You can also roll one or both legs back and forth to release any tension in your lower back.[12]
- Don't sleep on your stomach after your first trimester. Many pregnant women are comfortable sleeping on their stomach during the first week of their pregnancy, especially if they usually sleep on their stomach. But it can become uncomfortable once your uterus starts expanding and you begin to feel like you are carrying a large beach ball on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach after your first trimester can also endanger your baby's health so try to lie on your side or to your back for the remainder of your pregnancy.[13]
- Keep in mind your baby will also experience discomfort while you sleep or lie down and might wake you up with a kick if she is feeling stressed due to your sleep position. If you wake up on your back or your stomach, simply roll over to your left or right side. However, being comfortable during pregnancy is very important. [14]
EditGetting Out of the Lying Position - Roll on your side, if you are not already on your side. Shift your knees so they come towards your belly. Move your knees and your feet to the edge of the bed. Use your arms as support as you push yourself into a sitting position. Swing your legs over the side of the bed.[15]
- You can also place a pillow between your legs to help you get up.
- Take a deep breath before you stand up. To avoid any dizziness or nausea when you get up, take a long breath before you raise up off the bed. This will also prevent you from aggravating any back pain you might be feeling.[16]
- Ask someone for assistance. Enlist the support of your partner or someone close by to help you get out of the lying position. Have the person grip your forearms and gently help you rise up from the bed.[17]
- Occasional insomnia can be treated with a Benadryl.
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How to Start Using Accutane Posted: 17 May 2016 01:00 AM PDT Accutane, or isotretinoin, is one of the most powerful and effective treatments for severe acne on the market. The trade-off to its effectiveness is the associated side effects, as well as the drug's known risk for causing serious birth defects.[1] If you have exhausted your acne treatments, you may want to consider taking Accutane. EditGetting a Prescription for Accutane - Talk to a doctor about the severity of your acne. Only a dermatologist can tell you if Accutane is right for you. Many dermatologists will not see patients without a referral from a doctor (depending on your insurance plan), so you may wish to visit your regular healthcare provider first.
- Understand the types of acne that benefit from Accutane treatment. Accutane is used to treat severe acne, called "severe recalcitrant nodular acne", that has not responded to other forms of treatment.
- Nodular acne (sometimes referred to as cystic acne) is the most severe form of acne. Pustules develop on the body in the form of hard, painful, cysts that are often larger than normal areas of acne.
- Left untreated, this form of acne can lead to heavy scarring, as well as potential psychological problems associated with stress and self-esteem.
- Consider other forms of treatment. If your acne is persistent, but not severe, then you may want to consider a different form of treatment. Accutane is not used for mild to moderate acne because of the risk and range of its side effects.
- Prescription oral antibiotics may be used to successfully treat moderate acne.[2]
- Other treatment options include phototherapy (light treatment) and laser treatments. These are often successful in treating moderate acne and acne scarring.[3]
- Discuss the risks with your doctor. Side effects range from mild discomforts, such as dry skin, to complications that can be serious. Up to 80% of Accutane users will experience at least some side effects.[4]
- The FDA placed a warning on Accutane in 1998 informing healthcare providers and the public about an increase in the incidence of depression, suicidal thinking, and suicide attempts.
- Recent research shows that Accutane users have a higher risk of developing digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
- Many lawsuits have been filed against the original manufacturer specific to people that developed serious side effects while taking Accutane.[5].
- Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have before starting treatment. You should tell your doctor about any medical or psychological conditions you have, as well as any medications or supplements, including vitamins, that you take. Also consult with your doctor if:[6]
- You are allergic to vitamin A-containing drugs (such as other retinoids)
- You have diabetes or a family history of diabetes
- You have high blood fats or a family history of high blood fats
- You or someone in your family has a psychiatric disorder (including mood disorders such as depression)
- You have liver disease
- You are overweight or obese
- You have an eating disorder
- You have a problem with alcohol abuse
- You have a bone loss condition (e.g., osteoporosis)
- Commit to treatment. If both you and your dermatologist agree to proceed with Accutane treatment, your doctor will ask you to agree to several specific conditions before you can proceed.[7]
- Participate in the iPLEDGE program if you are female. Due to the risk of birth defects, enrollment in this program is required for women of child-bearing age. The iPLEDGE program involves routine pregnancy tests and a commitment to avoid pregnancy by promising to use 2 acceptable forms of birth control during Accutane therapy.
- Acceptable forms of birth control include oral contraceptives, contraceptive injections, implanted devices, patches, physical contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms, and a solemn swear of abstinence (meaning absolutely no sexual contact) during the course of treatment with Accutane.
- Sign an informed consent. Individuals are required to sign an informed consent before beginning therapy, and must be considered reliable in understanding and following instructions.
- Be prepared to follow additional safety protocols. You can't donate blood while you are taking Accutane, or in the first month after you stop taking it. In addition, you must agree not to share the prescription with anyone.
- Encourage people with similar symptoms to see a dermatologist and obtain a prescription for Accutane.
- Check with your pharmacy. The brand name product, Accutane, is no longer made, but several companies make the generic formulation, isotretinoin. The generic form of Accutane is covered under most insurance plans, so you can obtain a monthly dosage for a relatively inexpensive price.
EditTaking Accutane - Pick up your prescription on time. For female patients of child-bearing age, the prescription must be filled and picked up within 7 days of the office visit when the tests were done to confirm that you are not pregnant. For everybody else, each prescription must be filled and picked up within 30 days of the office visit.
- Take your Accutane exactly as prescribed. Doses are to be taken orally, with food, and at approximately the same time each day. Food in your stomach helps the drug to be absorbed.
- Stick to your regimen, and commit to it. An Accutane regimen will usually last several months. Remember to take your pill every day. It may be helpful to set a daily alarm on your cell phone or your alarm clock to remind yourself not to miss a dose.
- If you do miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, just skip the dose you missed completely. Do not double up doses in an effort to catch up.
- Understand other commitments required to take Accutane. In addition to birth control, monthly blood tests are required to monitor for changes, including the balance of different forms of cholesterol in your blood (specifically, your triglyceride levels). Routine lab work is necessary to ensure that Accutane is not causing any internal damage to your liver or kidneys.
- Triglycerides refer to the fatty acids that are normally found in your blood. These may peak when eating particularly fatty foods, such as fast food or other deep fried meals. Maintaining a healthy diet helps the drug to be better absorbed, and helps to avoid abnormally high levels of fatty acids sometimes caused by eating meals high in fats.
- Use the required forms of birth control. Taking Accutane during pregnancy has been shown to significantly increase the risk of birth defects. Women who get pregnant while taking Accutane have a 30% chance of birth defects, as opposed to the normal 3-5% chance.
- Avoid using other acne products. Remember that Accutane works by targeting your sebaceous glands. Using over-the-counter and prescription acne products will only aggravate your skin and increase dryness. Talk with your dermatologist about using any skin products while taking Accutane.
- Use a gentle skin cleanser, such as Dove or Aveeno, when using Accutane to avoid skin irritation.
- Keep in contact with your dermatologist. As the saying goes: Knowledge is power. Let your dermatologist know if you are experience anything unusual during your treatment. Ask about specific side effects to look for, such as blurry vision or severe back pain.
EditUnderstanding More about Accutane - Learn what Accutane is and how it works. The generic name for Accutane is isotretinoin. The drug is a derivative of vitamin A, and falls in a class of medications known as retinoids. Accutane works in 4 ways.
- Accutane helps to control the size of the sebaceous glands, which are the glands that produce oil. This reduces the amount of oils produced by these glands. At the same time, it decreases the amount of acne-causing bacteria that live in the oil from these glands. Accutane also slows down the development of some cells that cause pores to get blocked, and it decreases inflammation of the skin.[8].
- Understand how Accutane is dosed. The dose is determined by body weight and by the severity of the acne. The usual dose ranges are 0.5-1.0mg/kg per day. For example, in someone that weighs about 150 pounds, the dose would range from about 20mg to 35mg, taken twice every day.[9]
- Be aware that Accutane therapy can be lengthy. Take Accutane for the length of time prescribed. One course of therapy can last for 4 to 5 months. Sometimes more than 1 course of therapy may be needed. The best response happens when the cumulative dose, or the total dose taken over a period of time, is considered. Your doctor knows how to monitor your progress and keep up with the cumulative dose in order for you to get the greatest benefit from Accutane therapy.
- Know how Accutane therapy can help. As many as 85% of people treated with Accutane see great results after just 1 treatment course, lasting about 4 to 5 months. More than 1 course of treatment may be needed to permanently clear the skin and avoid any future relapse of the acne.[10] Although there is no guarantee that everyone will see improvement, most people see their acne disappear, and in many cases it never comes back.[11]
- Consider the problems with untreated acne. Acne commonly develops during the adolescent and early adult years, but acne can also occur later in life. If left untreated, severe acne may result in physical disfigurement and associated psychological problems. According to the FDA and the parent drug company, acne leads to more feelings of insecurity and inferiority than any other disease.
- As with most acne products, you may notice that your acne becomes more severe during the first few weeks of treatment. This is normal.
- In the beginning of treatment, your dermatologist will usually prescribe smaller doses in order to monitor your body's response to the drug. Your dermatologist may adjust your dose throughout your Accutane regimen for reasons of safety and efficacy.
- Since Accutane affects the way your oil glands function, the most common side effects deal with dryness, such as chapped lips, dry skin, and dry eyes. You may want to consider purchasing a non-comedogenic (i.e. non pore-blocking) moisturizer to help alleviate symptoms.
- Keep a moisturizing lip balm handy. 90% of people who use accutane experience dry or chapped lips. Use lip balm to reduce dryness, chapping, and cracking of lips.[12]
- There are many other potential side effects to Accutane, including rare, but serious ones. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist about all of Accutane's side effects.
- If you plan to get pregnant, you should wait a minimum of 12 months after stopping your Accutane regimen to ensure that the isotretinoin is sufficiently out of your system. Accutane is not to be prescribed in pregnant women.
- The generic form of Accutane is covered under most insurance plans, so you can obtain a monthly dosage for a relatively inexpensive price. However, if your insurance plan has a high deductible, you may find the upfront costs more expensive.
- Note that males taking Accutane do not increase the risk of causing birth defects. Isotretinoin does not carry over to sperm cells.[13].
- Accutane is powerful and effective for treating some forms of acne, but is also associated with serious side effects. Any changes in mood, feelings of depression, or suicidal thinking should be discussed immediately with your healthcare provider. Stop the medications and contact your doctor.
- Do not donate blood while taking Accutane, and for at least 1 month after finishing your treatment. Donating blood may inadvertently cause problems in other people.
- Avoid contact sports while taking Accutane to avoid injury. One of the side effects associated with Accutane involves possibly weakening your bones.
- Do not use any other treatments for acne during your course of therapy with Accutane.
- Since Accutane is a vitamin A derivative, do not take vitamin A products while you are taking Accutane. Combining vitamin A products with Accutane can cause drug interactions with potentially serious results.
- Developing gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are more common in people taking Accutane. Other side effects are also possible. Talk to your doctor if you experience anything unusual while taking Accutane.
- There is a high risk of birth defects in women that are pregnant, or get pregnant while taking Accutane. For this reason, precautionary measures are in place to prevent pregnancy while taking Accutane.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you think you are pregnant or if you notice anything unusual during your treatment.
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