The Dos and Don’ts of Taking ACCUTANE™
| Do | Don’t |
| Do discuss effective methods of birth control with your doctor before beginning ACCUTANE therapy. | Don’t become pregnant for one month before, during, or for one month after taking ACCUTANE. |
| Do have two blood or urine pregnancy tests in a licensed laboratory before starting ACCUTANE therapy. The first pregnancy test should be done once you and your doctor have decided to use ACCUTANE. The second pregnancy test should be done within 11 days before starting ACCUTANE. Wait until the second or third day of your next normal period before starting ACCUTANE. | Don’t take ACCUTANE if you are pregnant. |
| Do use two reliable methods of birth control at the same time for at least one month before you start ACCUTANE, while you are taking ACCUTANE, and for at least one month after you stop taking ACCUTANE, even if you have a history of infertility or are not sexually active. | Don’t take ACCUTANE until you and your doctor are sure you are not pregnant. |
| Do wait until the second or third day of your next normal menstrual period before you start ACCUTANE. | Don’t take ACCUTANE if you have not had two negative pregnancy tests before starting ACCUTANE. |
| Do have a monthly pregnancy test while taking ACCUTANE and one month after stopping ACCUTANE. | Don’t take ACCUTANE if you cannot avoid pregnancy. |
| Use two reliable methods of birth control together, even if you have a history of infertility or are not sexually active (unless you have had a hysterectomy). | Don’t have sex if you are not using two reliable methods of birth control at the same time for at least one month before you start ACCUTANE, while you are taking ACCUTANE, and for one month after you stop taking ACCUTANE. |
| Do remember that any method of birth control can fail. | Don’t take ACCUTANE if you are breastfeeding. |
| Let your doctor or pharmacist know what brand of birth control you are taking. | Don’t take low-dose, progestogen birth control pills (also known as ‘mini-pills’). Progestogen-only birth control pills may not work while you are taking ACCUTANE. |
Stop taking ACCUTANE and contact your doctor immediately if:
- You become pregnant while taking ACCUTANE or during the first month after treatment has stopped
- You miss your period
- If your period is abnormal in length (shorter or longer than usual) and intensity
- You have sex without using effective birth control
Questions or concerns about taking ACCUTANE?
Talk to your doctor or call 1-888-XEDITON (933-4866).
© CHEPLAPHARM Schweiz GmbH. All Rights Reserved. AcneandU.ca is a service provided by CHEPLAPHARM Schweiz GmbH.
© CHEPLAPHARM Schweiz GmbH. All Rights Reserved. AcneandU.ca is a service provided by CHEPLAPHARM Schweiz GmbH.
This website is neither intended nor designed to record or report adverse event information. If you have a suspected side effect or problem to report, please report adverse events to Health Canada directly by going to the Canada Vigilance Program website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html.
This material is provided by Cheplapharm Schweiz GmbH, as part of the risk minimization plan for ACCUTANE. This material is not intended for promotional use.