Sold under the brand name Accutane, Isotretinoin is a type of medication used to treat chronic acne as well as other skin conditions such as skin cancer. While it is an important medicine in the pharmaceutical industry, it may have adverse effects in pregnant women. More specifically, Accutane may cause birth defects, miscarriages, and premature births. That’s why the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) strongly discourages pregnant women and those intending to get pregnant from using this treatment. The five most common Accutane birth defects include:
Cleft Palate
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleft palate is a birth condition in which the palate has a split because of incomplete fusion of the mouth tissues. While this condition manifests on the roof of the mouth, it can also appear as a cleft lip on the outside.
Ear Problems
Accutane can cause ear problems in which some parts of the ear do not form fully, leading to hearing loss in newborns. Some of the congenital ear deformities include, among others:
• Cryptotia — Upper ear tucked underneath the skin
• Anotia — Missing ears
• Microtia — underdeveloped pinna
• Constricted ears
Eye Defects
Common eye defects resulting from the use of Accutane include microphthalmia, a condition characterized by abnormally small eyeballs, and aniridia, a condition characterized by a partial or complete absence of the iris.
Microcephaly
This is a birth defect where a baby’s head is abnormally small. Take note that this condition may cause cognitive and developmental disabilities. It usually results from the incomplete formation of the brain as well as lack of post-natal growth.
Congenital Heart Defects
These defects can be in the form of an enlarged heart, a hole in the heart, or the absence of some parts of the heart. Apart from the physical features of the heart such as the shape, Accutane can also cause functional disabilities in the heart.
Conclusion
These are five of the most common Accutane birth defects. While some of them are correctable through surgical procedures, others can be a lifetime burden to the patient and in extreme cases, can cause death. Therefore, you should avoid using this medication while pregnant. Additionally, if you are on Accutane treatment, ensure you use two different birth control methods to lower your chance of getting pregnant. While at it, keep monitoring your health and in case you get pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
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