ORAL RETINOIDS AND PREGNANCY

The oral retinoids isotretinoin and etretinate are uniquely effective in the treatment of severe cystic acne and keratinisation disorders. B ecause of their known teratogenicity, there are strict prescription gu idelines, but exposure during pregnancy still occurs. A dedicated effo rt by women and their clinicians is required, involving patient select ion, education and informed consent, detailed contraceptive counsellin g, and careful monitoring and management, including pregnancy testing before commencement of therapy.