Retinoid therapy for acne (decutan capsules) & its secretion

[danishfareed]

Sir,

I have been on retinoid oral therapy (for my acne - capsules named Decutan) for almost two month during this period my wife has conceived further during this period we have had sex including kisses and all.

as retinoid is contradicotry during pregnancies. I am fearfull that whether my taking the medicine may have had any affects on the oncoming baby. for example perhaps through excretion of retinoids from my saliva or semen. I am very concerned about it and need some education on the matter. Are retinoids secreted through saliva or semen? is it okh for us two to have sex during the therapy period?

please explain as fully as you can as any information is much appreciated

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You do not need to be concerned.  It has been shown conclusively that isotretinoin, the active ingredient in Decutan, does not cause birth defects in sexual partners of men taking this drug, despite the fact that minute amounts have been found in semen.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[loiloi]

Female patients using oral Isotretinoin (Accutane, Decutan etc) must use two methods of birth control whilst on this drug, and for 5 weeks afterwards.
Isotretinoin does not affect the babies of male patients.
Congratulations on your good news.
Eloise.