A 32-year-old woman has just been started on isotretinoin for severe acne. She is currently using a combined oral contraceptive. Is any change to her ...

Question

A 32-year-old woman has just been started on isotretinoin for severe acne. She is currently using a combined oral contraceptive. Is any change to her contraception required?

Accepted Answer

Isotretinoin is a potent teratogen; the pregnancy prevention programme requires at least one highly effective method or two complementary methods of contraception

Answer

No change needed; the COC is sufficient

Answer

She must stop the COC before starting isotretinoin

Answer

Isotretinoin reduces COC absorption

Answer

She must switch to a Cu-IUD only

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): Isotretinoin PPP Contraception Requirements

A 32-year-old woman has just been started on isotretinoin for severe acne. She is currently using a combined oral contraceptive. Is any change to her contraception required?