Yes!! The iPledge system and the FDA REQUIRE that a female of childbearing potential use 2 forms of birth control together correctly all the time for one month before starting Accutane, while taking Accutane, and for one month after the last dose of Accutane. A female of childbearing potential has to use a primary form of birth control including: tubal sterilization, partner's vasectomy, IUD, hormonal (combination birth control pills, skin patches, shots, under-the-skin implants, or vaginal ring) and also a secondary form of birth control including: barrier forms with spermicide (diaphragm or cervical cap), barrier form with or without spermicide (male latex condom), or vaginal sponge containing spermicide. The only exception to this is total abstinence for one month before starting the Accutane, while taking Accutane, and for one month after the last dose of Accutane. You must also have 2 negative pregnancy test prior to starting Accutane (one before you're accepted and entered into the iPledge program and then another just before you get your first prescription) and then monthly before you are able to pick up a prescription for Accutane. You will also have to have the last pregnancy test one month after you stop taking the Accutane to confirm that you are not pregnant. These requirements have been implemented to prevent pregnancies in females taking Accutane and to prevent pregnant females from taking Accutane. Taking Accutane while pregnant can cause serious side effects. There is a very high chance that your baby would be deformed, born prematurely, or even die before being born. Accutane can not prevent a pregnancy, it is the responsibility of the FEMALE of childbearing potential taking the Accutane to be responsible in preventing a pregnancy while taking Accutane.
YES! And it's required to be on TWO forms of birth control if you are female taking Accutane in the U.S. "Thisanswer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot beheld as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatmentwith a trained medical professional for appropriate care."
