Halder asked
I have taken the generic version for Accutane for 10+ years on and off...and I have now been off for 1 month....I plan on waiting 3 months to pursue pregnancy but I am trying to understand the accumulation/metabolism/elimination of this drug to set my mind at ease. I understand from researching that it is protein bound...can you tell me if the drug should be completely out of my system by 3 months time? And if the length of time I have been taking it matters in regards to this.
Answer
As you seem to know, Accutane (Isotretinoin) is contraindicated in pregnancy and is listed by the FDA as pregnancy category X. Although not every exposure to Accutane has resulted in a birth defect, there is an extremely high risk that birth defects can occur if pregnancy occurs while taking isotretinoin in any amount even for a short period of time.