Concern about use of Differin and Tazorac in early pregnancy - Help!

allisoncharris · April 2010

Idiot me. I've been using both Differin and Tazorac (both Retinoids) as spot treatments on and off for at least the last 2-3 weeks due to acne I've been getting. I read last night that if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant you should STOP all Retinoids. I am well aware of the extreme dangers of Accutane and other oral vitamin-A derivatives and understand that topical ointments must be avoided as well. I've since done more research on the internet and have managed to scare myself silly. Should I be extremely concerned that my baby will have serious birth defects?

I'm planning on giving my Dr. a call first thing this am but I wanted to see if this has happened to anyone else. Anyone else using a topical retinoid before and after finding out you were pregnant?? biI'm rth

g8orell · April 2010

I'm a dermatology PA and I woudl never prescribe this to a pregnant woman, however, I think if you used it when you didn't know you were pregnant, that's fine. I've had several patients with that situation and the baby is fine. I actually went to a lecture for Retin-A (tretinoin) and the doctor says she prescribes it all the time to pregnant women. she said that the levels of carotinic acid in the blood (the broken down product of retinoids) is equal to like 3 carrots. She said she's had no problem with it. Again, I still would not prescribe (or use myself) any retinoids during pregnancy.

You're fine, don't worry!!

Out of curiosity, why are you using both? Usually you only use 1 retinoid.

MrsSavannah · April 2010

I would call your dr to discuss, like you mentioned. I was told to come off Tazorac 3 months prior to TTC and Retin-A 2 months prior. But I have known people who got pg while on retinoids (they quit when they found out) and their babies are just fine. I really don't think you have anything to worry about - especially since you were just spot treating.

KissyFishyLips · April 2010

I just had a derm appt recently (prior to BFP) and asked for an Rx for an acne med. My doc said that because we were actively TTC, she couldn't give me ANYTHING except erythromycin, which she said is the only Class B (i.e., considered to be pregnancy "safe") drug. she told me to stop using my Retin-A gel, too, because it's Class C.

allisoncharris · April 2010

g8orell:
Out of curiosity, why are you using both? Usually you only use 1 retinoid.

I was given Differin and then I asked for something stronger when I got big zits that wouldn't go away and they gave me Tazorac. Is that bad?

I called and spoke with the Dr.'s nurse and she said I should be fine but to tell the Dr. on my appointment on Friday.

g8orell · April 2010

allisoncharris:

g8orell:

Out of curiosity, why are you using both? Usually you only use 1 retinoid.

I was given Differin and then I asked for something stronger when I got big zits that wouldn't go away and they gave me Tazorac. Is that bad?

I called and spoke with the Dr.'s nurse and she said I should be fine but to tell the Dr. on my appointment on Friday.

No, not bad at all, just curious!

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Concern about use of Differin and Tazorac in early pregnancy - Help!

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