Is it safe to use contraceptive pill during Accutane medication?

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

This is an important question. Birth control pills can increase your risk for clotting especially in the first several months. I would discuss this issue at length with your gynecologist and plastic surgeon for specific recommendations tailored to you and the procedures performed.

Not only is it safe, but required if you are a female of child bearing capability and don't choose to be abstinent for 8 months.The last thing you want is to have a baby with severe medical problems caused by accutane and the iPledge system is set up with enough safeguards that you aren't going to be able to obtain any legal relief (read that as lawsuit!) because it's quite clear from the consents and the rest of the process that you were informed.

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. "This
answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be
held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment
with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."