Can Accutane effect menstrual cycle?

[verb1999]

Tomorrow will mark day 4 that I am late on my period.  I took Accutane from approximately July 20th-August 20th, then got off of it for about a week, and got back on it around August 28th.  I was supposed to have my period on Sept. 3rd, and have never been late before.  I've been a day early on a few occasions, but never 4 days late.  I was wondering if anyone knows if Accutane could effect my menstrual cycle.  Thank you.

[loiloi]

Hi. Yes occasionally oral Isotretinoin (Accutane) causes menstrual disturbance.
Is there any possibility you could be pregnant? Accutane must not be taken in pregnancy due to the risk of malformation. Are you taking the contraceptive pill? In most countries female Accutane patients are required to sign a form stating they will use two forms of contraception during treatment (eg the pill and a condom).
If you are sexually active take no more Accutane tablets and inform your prescriber immediately.
Eloise.

[verb1999]

Well, I have not had sex, but have done other things that made me think there could be a very, very slim chance I could be pregnant.  I have participated in some 4play and other things where his seman COULD have, for example, been on his fingers, and then he fingered me, but I thought the chance of that was very rare.  (The last time him and I did anything was the night of Saturday, August 30th)   Being as there was that slim possibility, I bought a $17 pregnancy test yesterday just to check, and the test came out negative.  I am not taking any contraceptive pill either.  So I am hoping it is just because of the Accutane.

[loiloi]

Hi. If you have not had your period yet take another test as it is possibile to get a false negative in the early stages of pregnancy.
It is really important to take the pill during Accutane treatment due to the high risk of malformation if a pregnancy is exposed to the drug. It is difficult to obtain statistical data on this, as most women who become pregnant on Accutane have a termination, but some studies suggest that the risk of malformation is as high as 90%.
If you are in the USA, you are required to join the iPledge scheme, where you agree to use the Combined Oral Contraceptive pill during Accutane treatment. Taking the pill will make your periods regular so you can avoid pregnancy scares. Certain brands such as Ortho Tri-Cycline and Diane35 will also help to clear your acne faster.
Hope this is helpful, Eloise.