CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS. Accutane (isotretinoin) must not be used by female patients who are or may become pregnant. There is an extremely high risk that severe birth defects will result if pregnancy occurs while taking Accutane (isotretinoin) in any amount, even for short periods of time. Isotretinoin is extremely effective at treating acne. But it also comes with many side effects. Some common side effects of Accutane may subside after initial treatment. CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS. Accutane must not be used by female patients who are or may become pregnant. There is an extremely high risk that severe birth defects will result if pregnancy occurs while taking Accutane in any amount, even for short periods of time. Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid (and colloquially referred to by its former brand name Accutane or Roaccutane), is a medication primarily used to treat severe acne. For all patients: Isotretinoin must not be taken by patients who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. There is a high risk that isotretinoin will cause loss of the pregnancy, or will cause the baby to be born too early, to die shortly after birth, or to be born with birth defects (physical problems that are present at birth).