Isotretinoin is a prescription medication used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne . It is an oral retinoid. Retinoids are man-made forms of vitamin A used to treat certain skin conditions and blood cancers. Accutane® was the original brand of Isotretinoin. Accutane is no longer sold. However some other brands that exists are Absorica®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan® and Sotret®.
 

 

What is the effect of  Isotretinoin on my baby ?

 

Taking this medication during pregnancy can result in the following :

• miscarriage
• premature birth
• baby with developmental and intellectual delays

 

Isotretinoin can also cause birth defects such as

• congenital heart defect
• cleft palate
• vision problems
• hearing problems
• microcephaly – smaller-than-normal head because the brain doesn’t develop properly or has stopped growing
• hydrocephalus – fluid build up in the brain

 

IMPORTANT WARNING

 

The harmful nature of this drug requires  men and women to register with the iPLEDGE program before taking it. Both men and women who are planning to take Isotretinoin must agree to follow strict iPLEDGE rules to help prevent pregnant women and women of childbearing age  from having contact with Isotretinoin.  Only doctors and pharmacists registered with the iPLEDGE program may prescribe and give Isotretinoin to patients.

 

You will need to see your doctor every month while taking this medication. Your  doctor may give you a prescription for up to a 30-day supply of medication with no refills at each visit. If you are a woman of child-bearing age, you will also need to take a pregnancy test in an approved lab each month and have your prescription filled and picked up within 7 days of your pregnancy test. If you are a man or if you are a woman who cannot become pregnant, you must have this prescription filled and picked up within 30 days of your doctor visit.

 

You must agree to take 2 forms of effective birth controls such as the pill and condom 1 month before you begin to take Isotretinoin, during your treatment and for 1 month after your treatment. Ask your health care provider to help you choose which 2 birth control methods are best. Some birth control pills may not work with Isotretinoin.

 

You must also take regular pregnancy tests and agree not to get pregnant

• For at least 4 weeks before you start using the medicine
• While taking the medicine
• For at least 4 weeks after you stop using the medicine

 

Men who take Isotretinoin can have it in the semen. It is however not known  if this can cause birth defects. Be sure to let your health care provider know if your partner is taking this medication and you are planning on getting pregnant.

 

What should you do if you’re taking Isotretinoin and think you may be pregnant?

 

Call your health care provider immediately. He may prescribe emergency contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. If you get pregnant while taking Isotretinoin, you health provider must call iPLEDGE and FDA. – Food and Drugs Administration.

 

Call your doctor right away if you are taking Isotretinoin and

• think you may be pregnant
• have a missed, late or irregular period
• have sex without using 2 forms of effective birth control
• have changes in menstrual bleeding
• have unprotected sex with a man taking the medication

 

DO NOT

• buy Isotretinoin on the internet
• share Isotretinoin
• donate blood while on the medication and  1 month after you treatment

 

Be sure to let your doctor know all medication you are taking. Some medications may interfere with the performance of hormone contraceptives.

 

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