Accutane is a man-made form of Vitamin A. Its generic name is isotretinoin. Occasionally, defects of the thymus gland and limb abnormalities are seen. Many of these difficulties do not get noticed at birth, but are discovered in childhood. The long-term effects on any exposed child are still unknown. Additionally, a child born with the birth defects known to occur more frequently with Accutane use in pregnancy may be at an increased risk for infant death.
Prenatal testing is available to determine if birth defects are present.
A detailed ultrasound performed in the second trimester of pregnancy may be able to identify major malformations caused by Accutane exposure. Although ultrasound can detect many birth defects, it is not able to detect all potential fetal problems caused by exposure to Accutane. Menstrual irregularities, which often make getting pregnant more difficult, have been reported in some women treated with isotretinoin. There are, however, no reports of fertility problems following use of Accutane. Women who are trying to become pregnant should not be taking Accutane.