Teratogenic Effect of Isotretinoin in Both Fertile Females and Males: A Review

    March 2021 in “ Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine ”
    Carmen‐Cristina Draghici, Raluca‐Gabriela Miulescu, Răzvan Petca, Aida Petca, Mihai Cristian Dumitraşcu, Florica Șandru
    TLDR Isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects and needs careful use, especially in pregnant women.
    The review discussed the teratogenic effects of isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative used for severe acne, which significantly reduced sebum production but posed a 20-35% risk of congenital defects in infants exposed in utero, including craniofacial, cardiovascular, and neurological malformations. Despite pregnancy prevention programs like iPLEDGE, the risk remained significant. Studies on mice indicated embryotoxicity and reproductive organ changes in males, though human data were limited. The teratogenicity was linked to isotretinoin-induced apoptosis in various cell types, highlighting the need for careful management and regulation of isotretinoin use, especially in populations at risk of pregnancy.
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