Topical Retinoids During Pregnancy

Question

I have been using a high potency retinoid cream called Green Cream for 3 years now. I am in my early weeks of pregnancy and am concerned that there is a build up of Retinol that will harm my child should I be really worried, or do topical retinoids build up in the system? I will stop using the cream but am concerned of the harm I may have already done.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Hi Thanks for your question. Retin-A products are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Whilst you are pregnant you should use a cream that does not contain this ingredient.All the best

Peter Idahosa, MD · Answer

I will strongly recommend stopping the cream for possible risk of teratogenicity and see your Obgyn for a possible obstetric ultrasound

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Stop the cream. As you progress with the pregnancy, you will have initial and follow up sonogram, you can also have genetic testing if you are very concerned.
Wish you the best of luck and smooth pregnancy.

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

Although tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin-a) is a pregnancy category C medication and therefore, not recommended during pregnancy, any harm you may have caused to the fetus at this point is extremely unlikely. I would, however, recommend you discontinue use of Retin-a at this time since a small risk is, nonetheless, still a risk.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Tretinoin (Retin-A and Renova) which are used to treat acne and other skin issues belong to the retinoid group - all of whose members are related to Vit. A. Other members of the group are isotretinoin (Accutane), adapalene (Differin), and etretinate.
All drugs are classified based on their potential risk to the fetus from Class A (no restrictions) to Class B, Class C, Class D, and and Class X (absolutely prohibited). Retin-A is a Class C drug for pregnancy. (meaning  that the potential risks of taking it during pregnancy should be outweighed by the benefits). Contrast it with Accutane (isotretinoin ) which is extremely harmful in pregnancy and is a Class X drug. 
In your case, I WOULD stop the tretinoin and see your OB for his/her opinion. But I would not worry too much, according to the source below "...studies have not found that babies whose mothers used tretinoin during pregnancy are any more likely to have birth defects than babies whose mothers did not use tretinoin."
Good Luck
Dr. P. Aldea

Topical Retinoids During Pregnancy

Answers (5)