Risk of Topical Tretinoin Causing Birth Defects

Critical Distinction: Topical vs. Oral Retinoids

• Oral isotretinoin is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and causes severe retinoic acid embryopathy, including craniofacial abnormalities, cardiac defects, thymic abnormalities, and CNS malformations, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 2, 3

Clinical Management Algorithm

For Women Planning Pregnancy

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends discontinuing topical tretinoin before attempting conception and switching to safer alternatives, such as azelaic acid, topical erythromycin, topical clindamycin, or benzoyl peroxide, as suggested by Praxis Medical Insights 4