Isotretinoin, Vitamin A Supplements, and Unintended Pregnancies in Post Roe v. Wade America

Isotretinoin is a potent vitamin A derivative that is used to treat acne. However, despite its utility in dermatologic care, it is also highly teratogenic and can cause severe life-threatening fetal abnormalities in the first trimester of pregnancy. As a result, existing regulations are stringent in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2022-11, Vol.14 (11), p.e31442-e31442
Main Authors: Paidisetty, Praneet S, Wang, Leonard K, Zamil, Dina H, Fu, Shangyi, Nawas, Zeena Y
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abortion
Acne
Birth defects
Dermatology
Drug dosages
Fertility
Medical ethics
Pregnancy
Public Health
Socioeconomic factors
Vitamin A
Womens health
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Summary:Isotretinoin is a potent vitamin A derivative that is used to treat acne. However, despite its utility in dermatologic care, it is also highly teratogenic and can cause severe life-threatening fetal abnormalities in the first trimester of pregnancy. As a result, existing regulations are stringent in order to prevent accidental pregnancies in women taking isotretinoin. In the unlikely case of an unintended pregnancy, while taking isotretinoin, a woman could terminate her pregnancy with an abortion. However, with the recent overturning of , we explore the consequences of this landmark United States Supreme Court ruling with special attention to those taking isotretinoin and over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin A supplements.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.31442