As Abortion Access Wanes, Taking Accutane Has Gotten Even Riskier

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For decades, the risks and the surveillance were worth it.

illustration of a woman’s portrait in red and purple against a tan background

Illustration by Stina Persson

Also contributing to its staying power is the matter of cost: Isotretinoin is often covered by insurance.

And isotretinoin can streamline your acne regimen.

“What I love so much about isotretinoin is that you don’t have to use any more creams.

a positive pregnancy test on a pale pink background

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You don’t need to go on an antibiotic,” says Dr. Marchbein.

The 2023 Risks of Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, though, isn’t always harmless.

Onesystematic reviewfound that this dryness affects more than half of isotretinoin patients.

A key word here, though, is purported.

At present, there does not actually appear to be any link betweeninflammatory bowel diseaseand isotretinoin.

Andaccording to research, isotretinoin may in factimprovemental health.

Dr. Marchbein points out how harmful this can be for the latter group in particular.

So, if you live in a red state, is it just too risky to take isotretinoin?

For one, she says, pregnancies while on isotretinoin are still relatively rare.

In addition to iPledge, “I always give patients their options, educate them,” she says.

And, despite the current strategies in place, she adds that accidental pregnancy does take place.

There’s good news wrapped up in all of this, too.

“We have some early data at nine months that shows the results are staying.”

Then there’s the hormonal approach that Dr. Marchbein relies on to treat people with uteruses, in particular.

“But they come with some risks of disrupting the microbiome or antibiotic resistance,” says Dr. Barbieri.

“So, let’s try the best topical regimen we can do.

And if we get good enough results, great.”

There’s also a new prescription topical treatment called clascoterone (brand nameWinlevi).