Roaccutane and contraception: what to know

Isotretinoin is a strong oral treatment for severe or persistent acne. A pregnancy can be affected by the medicine, so a clinician will discuss whether you could become pregnant and which prevention plan is suitable. This may involve reliable contraception, pregnancy checks and planned follow-up. Tell the prescriber about breastfeeding, plans for pregnancy, missed periods or a possible pregnancy before taking another dose.

Contraception advice is individual. Some medicines and supplements may interact with treatment, and condoms also help reduce sexually transmitted infection risk but may not be the entire pregnancy-prevention plan. Read more about [Isotretinoin](/materials/isotretinoin/) and the treatment used for [Acne](/conditions/acne/).

Use the contraception plan exactly as prescribed and attend every requested review. Do not share capsules, change the dose or restart leftover medicine. Keep a record of missed doses and contact the prescribing clinic promptly if contraception fails, sex occurs without your planned protection, or you think you may be pregnant. Avoid donating blood during treatment and for the interval your clinician gives you afterward. Mention headaches, mood changes, severe dryness and every new medicine at review.

Stop and seek urgent medical advice if you suspect pregnancy while taking isotretinoin or soon after stopping it. Get prompt care for severe headache with visual changes, marked abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or thoughts of self-harm. A clinician can decide whether symptoms are related to treatment and what happens next.

Ask which contraception options fit your health history, what to do after a missed dose or contraceptive failure, when pregnancy checks are needed, and how long precautions should continue after treatment.