Accutane for candidates with exisiting high cholesterol levels?

Great questions! We sometimes see elevations in triglycerides in patients on Accutane, and sometimes there are elevated total cholesterol levels. As long as you get an accurate fasting lipid panel and watch it carefully, you probably will be fine. I would work closely with your dermatologist and internist to make sure either the triglycerides or total cholesterol don't bump up too high, but usually this is only a temporary problem and resolves once the Accutane course is completed. I would weigh the risks and benefits carefully and under the direction of your physicians. Sounds like you are taking every precaution from a healthy-living standpoint, such as not smoking, regular exercise, keeping weight within a healthy range and watching your diet, so if you are doing everything you can on your end, your doctors will probably be able to work with you to complete an Accutane course. Best of luck!