A 27-year-old woman with acne is taking isotretinoin prescribed by dermatology. She attends the GP having just found out she is 5 weeks pregnant. She ...

Question

A 27-year-old woman with acne is taking isotretinoin prescribed by dermatology. She attends the GP having just found out she is 5 weeks pregnant. She stopped isotretinoin 2 weeks ago when she discovered the pregnancy. Which is the single most important advice regarding this drug exposure?

Accepted Answer

Isotretinoin is a known teratogen; she should be referred urgently for counselling regarding fetal risk and pregnancy options

Answer

Isotretinoin is safe in pregnancy and no further action is needed

Answer

The risk is only significant if isotretinoin is taken after 12 weeks

Answer

A detailed anomaly scan at 20 weeks will be sufficient to exclude abnormalities

Answer

The risk is minimal as she stopped the drug before discovering the pregnancy

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): Isotretinoin Teratogenicity

A 27-year-old woman with acne is taking isotretinoin prescribed by dermatology. She attends the GP having just found out she is 5 weeks pregnant. She stopped isotretinoin 2 weeks ago when she discovered the pregnancy. Which is the single most important advice regarding this drug exposure?