Ask Our Expert - Topical Use of Retin-A While Pregnant

November 07, 2009

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Topical Use of Retin-A While Pregnant

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, If I am six weeks pregnant and was using Retin-A, will this affect my baby? I'm very concerned because I was not aware that I was pregnant at the time I was using the medication, which I stopped using as soon as I found out that I was pregnant. Please answer my question because I'm very concerned for my baby. — Monica in Los Angeles CA

ANSWER	July 18, 2001


Dear Monica, Good news for you! While the oral form of Retin-A definitely can cause birth defects, external topical use of tretinoin (Retin-A) does not appear to cause any problems. Experts don't generally recommend its use in pregnancy, because of the problems with the related oral medications, but there is no reason for you to believe that your baby's apparently minimal exposure will cause a problem. I do recommend that you tell your physician about this exposure at your next appointment, so that he or she can more specifically address your concerns. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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