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. 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. Doctors give trusted, helpful answers on causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and more: Dr. Ayoub on is it safe to use teeth whitening strips while pregnant: It is fine to use Listerine mouth wash while pregnant. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. I was on accutane for 6 months, my side effects, were extremely dry cracking lips, nose causing bleeding. The acne went away. then it came back, on my face, my chest and back got a bit back but not as bad as before accutane. Second disclaimer – I am not a doctor. (hahaha.) Many of you are aware that I am close with a lot of physicians so I should let it be known that I am being watched closely by numerous people educated on this topic. Accutane (isotretinoin) has a long history of controversy over birth defects, depression and suicide, and other serious medical problems. 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. What Is Accutane? Accutane (isotretinoin), or Roaccutane as it is known in parts of the world, was discovered in 1979 when it was first given to patients with severe acne, most of whom reacted with dramatic and permanent clearing of their acne symptoms. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Calderon on dermaroller while on isotretinoin treatment: While differin gel (adapalene) likely will not have a great effect on photodynamic therapy or an interfering effect on the common photosensitizers that are used, i would nonetheless consult your treating physician.