1 A 22yearold woman with severe acne is receiving counsellin

1.       A 22-year-old woman with severe acne is receiving counselling before taking isotretinoin (Accutane) therapy. She has read the Health Canada online information and is shocked to learn that two negative pregnancy tests are required before starting therapy, and a monthly test done during therapy. What should you tell her to explain these requirements?

Solution

Accutane is a form of vitamin-A, which helps in reduction of oil secretion and hence,it is used to cure severe acne. Its chemical name is isotretinoin. It can have toxic effects too. It must not be used by a pregnant woman since it can cause severe birth defects. Abnormalities of the face, eyes, ears, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, thymus and parathyroid glands in the foetus exposed to isotretinoin have been noticed so far. The chid born may have low IQ and may later die. The therapy may also lead to abortion or premature deaths.

This shows how important it is to avoid pregnancy during the therapy. Any birth control cannot assure you 100% that it avoids pregnancy. Therefore, in order to avoid any future problem to the patient as well as the baby, two tests are recommended ,one being a screening test and the other being a confirmatory test.