Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Taking Retin-A in Pregnancy | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am 15 weeks pregnancy and just discovered that taking Retin-A is not advised during pregnancy. What are the things that may happen as a result of this? I have used Retin-A for years, and when my OBGYN asked if I was taking any prescription medicines, I said no, not even thinking about the Retin-A. I use Retin-A in the cream form and only on problem areas near my nose. Please help.— Brandi in Sacramento, CA | | | ANSWER |
July 18, 2001 | | | Dear Brandi,
Most experts do not recommend taking tretinoin (Retin-A) in pregnancy because a similar but orally taken medication isotretinoin (Accutane) definitely causes birth defects. The good news is that with external use of Retin-A there is not that much absorption into the bloodstream, and its use does not appear to cause birth defects or any other problems for the fetus.
This is a good reminder though about what constitutes a "medication" when you are asked in a medical setting. Your doctor will want to know about all prescribed meds, even those that are used externally, and also any vitamins, supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Many women forget that these seemingly innocuous substances might act as medications and can have an effect on the baby-to-be.
— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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