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Is It Safe To Use Retino-A Microgel For Acne While Trying To Conceive?

Posted on Thu, 5 Mar 2015

Question: Hello,

We are planning for our first baby. 1 month back few acne started coming on my face so I went to dermatologist and she suggested me 1) Retino A microgel (Tretinoin Microsphere Gel 0.04%w/w) and 2) Nilac gel (Clindamycin phosphate and nicotinamide gel).

She asked me to apply Retino A once in the evening for 2 hours and Nilac gel for overnight.

I told my dermatologist that we are planning for a baby so that she consider this while suggesting me the medicine.

I went to her on 26th Jan'14 (the 1st day of my period) and she asked me to continue these gel for 14 days.

But now M really very scared as I have read at many places that these medications should be avoided during pregnancy and also at the time of planning for the pregnancy.

Also, as my acne was very severe so I really had to go for it.
Can there be side effects on my pregnancy if I get pregnant this month?

Please guide..

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can stop Retino gel if planning pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand from your query that you are concerned about your acne medications affecting your pregnancy.

Oral retinoids ( tretinoin like medicines called isotretinoin given in tablet form) are strictly contraidicated during pregnancy. They have to be stopped aleast 3 months before planning pregnancy.

However, the effect of topically applied tretinoin and its absorption with its effect on pregnancy is not very well documented. But to be on the safer side, it is better you avoid retinoid group of medicines including Retino A if you are planning pregnancy.

You could continue to use Clindamycin phosphate gel as it is safe even if planning conception.

There are no medically documented cases of tretinoin gel causing pregnancy problems till date. Do not worry even if you conceive this cycle. But for your peace of mind, stop using it in the future.

You could switch over to 2.5 % benzoyl peroxide gel at bedtime. Please discuss with your dermatologist about the same.

Hope this puts your mind at ease.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (40 minutes later)

Thank you so much for the answer.

I'll stop using the Retino A gel from today onwards.

But can I continue the Nilac Gel even during pregnancy?

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (38 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, Do not apply

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

No, avoid applying Nilac gel. It also poses potential risks to the fetus during pregnancy and to the baby during lactation.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (2 days later)

Hi,

Thanks.
I was not able to check my XXXXXXX so didn't check your second answer that day. I had stopped using Retino A gel the very same day. But was using the Nilac gel as it has Clindamycin phosphate. I used Nilac gel till yesterday.

I thought that Nilac Gel would be fine.

But after checking your answer I am really worried.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Though clindamycin poses a theoretical risk, it is practically ok to stop it even if pregnancy test comes positive.

Do not worry.

You can stop both Nilac and Retino A now.

You could discuss with your treating obstetrician about the same so that you are re-assured. Erythromycin gel poses neither theoretical or practical risk in pregnancy. you may apply it twice daily over pimples.

Hope this helps you.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar