Accutane and Pregnancy

Accutane treatment is usually prescribed for 4-5 months. It is a potent medication that is very effective for nearly all types of breakouts. Most other acne-controlling medicines are antibacterial agents. Accutane contains a large dose of synthetic Vitamin A which is used to stop the production of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands under the skin. When sebum is excessively produced, it can combine with dead skin cells in the pores. This causes plugs that block the pores and cause a buildup of sebum under the plug. This eventually erupts into acne. Accutane reduces the amount of sebum produced by the glands, helping to keep the pores free of blockages.

Accutane contains a large dose of synthetic Vitamin A which has a significant influence on the development of body tissue. Because of this, it is extremely harmful to a growing fetus. Accutane can cause birth defects such as missing earlobes, mental retardation, malformations of the face, hearing impairment, vision problems, nervous system abnormalities, glandular abnormalities and heart defects. Accutane should never be used if you are pregnant or if there is a chance you could become pregnant.

In 2005 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started requiring patients who take Accutane, must participate in a risk-management program called iPLEDGE . You must register in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the dangers of this medication. Women of child-bearing potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after taking Accutane. The program was started with two goals (2):           

  • To ensure that no pregnant woman starts taking isotretinoin
  • To ensure that no woman taking isotretinoin becomes pregnant

There are also other significant side effects associated with Accutane that you should be aware of before starting this medication.

TeenHealthFX can’t empathize enough that you should only take Accutane under the strict supervision of a Dermatologist. Never purchase Accutane or any other form of Isotretinoin on the internet. This medication should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Any online pharmacy that dispenses medication without a prescription is illegal in most countries and is not regulated. There is no guarantee that what you buy is what you get. This is not only true for Accutane but any other medication as well.