What to know about isotretinoin treatment in pregnancy

Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid used for severe acne, but it can cause major birth defects and pregnancy loss if a developing pregnancy is exposed. This concern applies to branded products and generic oral isotretinoin. It is not a medicine to start, stop, restart, share, or obtain without a prescribing clinician who knows your pregnancy status and plans.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or have had unprotected sex while taking isotretinoin, stop taking it and contact your prescriber or an urgent medical service promptly for personalised advice. Do not wait for symptoms, since exposure may not cause any immediate feeling. Do not donate blood during treatment or for the advised interval afterward, and keep capsules away from other people.

Contact a clinician promptly after any possible pregnancy during treatment, even if you have already missed a dose or stopped the medicine. Seek urgent care for severe headache with vision changes, intense abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin, or serious mood changes. Your prescriber can explain pregnancy testing, contraception requirements, follow-up, and safer acne options.

What should I do after a possible pregnancy exposure? When is it safe to plan pregnancy after stopping? Which acne treatment can I use during pregnancy or while trying to conceive?