The low number of women using contraception while taking medication like Roaccutane is concerning, according to Lim, highlighting the need for education about oral retinoids causing birth defects and the importance of effective contraception while on such medication. Although Lim has never treated a patient who fell pregnant while using oral retinoids, it is a known occurrence. GPs can play a key role in counseling patients about contraception before referring them to dermatologists, who often address the contraception and birth defect issue with patients. Rebecca Snow, who became pregnant while taking Roaccutane, found herself in a difficult situation when her unborn baby was at risk of congenital abnormalities and neurological issues. She ultimately miscarried before being booked in for an abortion.
One in 35 Australian women of reproductive age use oral retinoids like Roaccutane for acne treatment, but the risks of pregnancy while taking these medications are not well-documented. Dr. Debra Kennedy of MotherSafe receives at least 20 calls a year from distressed women who have become pregnant while on oral retinoids. Kennedy was prompted to research the issue after being contacted by a teenager who faced a tragic situation resulting in multiple abnormalities in the baby and a termination. The risks of using oral retinoids during pregnancy are well-known, and Roche, the manufacturer of Roaccutane, stresses that the medication should not be used by pregnant females.
Rebecca Snow’s experience highlighted the lack of thorough counseling by her dermatologist regarding the severity of falling pregnant while on oral retinoids. She expressed feeling rushed during her appointments and was not fully informed about the risks. The spokeswoman for Roche emphasized that pregnancy should be excluded before starting Roaccutane and effective contraception should be used before, during, and after treatment. Dr. Kennedy’s research on the issue revealed the tragic consequences of pregnancy while taking oral retinoids, with examples of multiple abnormalities in babies and terminations due to the detrimental impact on the fetus during the critical first trimester.
The need for increased education and awareness about the risks of pregnancy while taking oral retinoids like Roaccutane is underscored by the experiences of women like Rebecca Snow and the tragic cases documented by MotherSafe. The importance of effective contraception and thorough counseling by healthcare professionals, particularly dermatologists and GPs, is crucial to prevent unwanted pregnancies and potential harm to the fetus. With clearer communication about the risks and the necessity of contraception, women can make more informed decisions about their reproductive health while undergoing acne treatment with oral retinoids. The ongoing need to address this issue is evident, given the significant impact it can have on women, their pregnancies, and the health of their babies.
