Is isotretinoin treatment safe in pregnancy?

Isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects and pregnancy loss. It must not be taken during pregnancy, and it is not appropriate when someone is trying to conceive or may become pregnant without a reliable prevention plan agreed with a clinician.

Safety planning includes discussing pregnancy possibility, contraception, testing, and the medicine’s required precautions with the prescriber. These safeguards apply even when acne is severe or previous treatments have not helped.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or have had unprotected sex while taking isotretinoin, contact the prescriber or an urgent medical service immediately for personalised advice. Do not share capsules, donate blood, or restart the medicine without the prescribing clinician’s instruction. Use only acne treatments confirmed suitable for pregnancy.

Seek urgent medical advice as soon as possible after a missed period, a positive pregnancy test, or possible exposure during treatment. Bring the medicine packaging and the date of the last dose if known. Do not wait for symptoms, because pregnancy-related harm may occur without warning signs.

Ask how to stop safely, what pregnancy testing and contraception plan applies, which acne options are suitable now, and what follow-up is needed after possible exposure.