Is Isotretinoin safe during pregnancy?
Oral acne drug, not a cosmetic. Must not be used in pregnancy; the label advises against breastfeeding.
What the sources say
Isotretinoin is a prescription pill, not a skin-care ingredient. ACOG says it can cause severe birth defects; MotherToBaby reports birth defects in 35% or more of exposed pregnancies and recommends waiting one month after stopping before trying to conceive. It is prescribed under the iPLEDGE program. For breastfeeding, MotherToBaby notes the label recommends not using it, and LactMed suggests less-absorbed topical options may be preferred.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
13-cis retinoic acid, 13-cis-retinoic acid, absorica, accutane, amnesteem, claravis, myorisan, roaccutane, zenatane
Sources
- ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
- MotherToBaby: Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- AAD: Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?
- NIH LactMed: Isotretinoin - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.