Before starting isotretinoin, what is essential counseling for a female patient?

Two forms of birth control are required before and during isotretinoin treatment because the medication is highly teratogenic, meaning it can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. This requirement is integral to minimizing the risk of fetal exposure to the drug. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the iPLEDGE program emphasize the necessity for women of childbearing potential to use two reliable forms of contraception due to isotretinoin's potential adverse effects on a developing fetus.

In providing this counseling, the healthcare provider underscores the seriousness of adhering to strict birth control measures, stresses the need for regular pregnancy testing, and discusses the implications of not following these protocols, which may include the risk of serious health consequences for the unborn child. Educating female patients about the potential risks clarifies the importance of this aspect of treatment while optimizing the medication's benefits in managing conditions like severe acne.