Can Accutane cause birth defects after 1 year of cessation?

Question

After taking oral Accunate for 3 months, is there any chance that it will cause any birth defects when the patient cinceives after a period of a year or so?

Julie Thomson, MD · Answer

Accutane is tetratogenic in pregnancy.  All patients on Accutane need to be on birth control for the duration of therapy and 1 month after.   The Accutane product monograph states "Females of childbearing potential should not become pregnant during therapy or for 1 month following discontinuation of isotretinoin. Upon discontinuation of treatment, females of childbearing potential should have a pregnancy test after their last dose and again one month after their last dose."
 Thus, women who have taken Accutane for acne may start to plan a pregnancy 1 month post treatment with Accutane ensuring they have started folic acid 3 months prior to conception.

Can Accutane cause birth defects after 1 year of cessation?

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