isotretinoin
a drug related to vitamin A (see RETINOID ) and used in the treatment of severe acne that has failed to respond to other treatment. It is administered by mouth or topically. Possible side-effects include dry skin, nose bleeds, eyelid and lip inflammation, muscle, joint, and abdominal pains, diarrhoea, and some disturbances of vision.
Isotretinoin is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne (a certain type of severe acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, such as antibiotics. Isotretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by slowing the production of certain natural substances that can cause acne.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking isotretinoin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Some women taking isotretinoin have reported changes in their menstrual cycle, but there are no reports that it makes it harder to get pregnant. However, it is not recommended to become pregnant while using isotretinoin. Anyone with questions about fertility and isotretinoin should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking isotretinoin increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The fact sheet notes that taking isotretinoin can increase the chance of miscarriage, and that this chance can be as high as 40% when isotretinoin is used in early pregnancy. Concerns about miscarriage risk should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking isotretinoin increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet states that isotretinoin can cause birth defects in 35% or more of infants exposed during pregnancy, with an increased chance even after short-term use. Reported birth defects include small or absent ears, hearing and eyesight problems, heart defects, fluid around the brain, small jaw, small head, cleft palate, and missing thymus gland. For this reason, the fact sheet recommends avoiding any isotretinoin use in pregnancy, and individual situations should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking isotretinoin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet indicates that use of isotretinoin in pregnancy can increase the chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) and low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth). Anyone with concerns about these outcomes should talk with their healthcare provider.
Can taking isotretinoin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, children exposed to isotretinoin during pregnancy may have hearing or vision problems that can affect learning, and they may also have behavioral problems or intellectual disability. These issues are not always apparent at birth and may appear as the child grows. There are no prenatal tests available that can predict the extent of any effect on future behavior or learning, so ongoing follow-up with a healthcare provider is important.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking isotretinoin?
The fact sheet states that no information is available on the use of isotretinoin during breastfeeding, and that due to the lack of data, the product label recommends not using this medication while breastfeeding. It is not known what effect, if any, exposure through breast milk could have on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding questions should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
isotretinoin