Home » Skin Blog » Skin Knowledge and Problems » The Risks and Precautions of Oral Vitamin A Treatment for Acne: Emphasizing the Importance of Pregnancy Testing

Acne, also known as zits, has long been a significant concern for adolescents and young adults. To effectively treat it, oral Vitamin A has become an important medication recommended by many dermatologists. However, the use of oral Vitamin A is not without risks, particularly for female patients. Special attention must be paid to the potential for fetal deformities, which is why female patients may need to undergo pregnancy testing before starting treatment.

Understanding the side effects of oral Vitamin A is crucial. When prescribing this medication, doctors will explicitly require female patients to sign a consent form before each refill, a requirement grounded in patient safety considerations. Oral Vitamin A can cause severe fetal deformities; thus, it is essential for women to take effective contraceptive measures and regularly confirm whether they are pregnant during treatment. Should pregnancy be confirmed, doctors will advise on discontinuing the medication to reduce risks to the fetus.

Although most patients understand the importance of this process, some remain skeptical about the need for repeated pregnancy testing. Why is this check necessary multiple times? This question arises because, in clinical practice, there are still patients who do not follow the doctor’s advice and even unintentionally become pregnant. Reports have indicated numerous cases in the United States and the United Kingdom of patients becoming pregnant while undergoing oral Vitamin A treatment, posing health risks to themselves and potential legal liabilities for doctors.

Overall, the effectiveness of oral Vitamin A in treating acne should not be underestimated, but we must also recognize the possible side effects and risks it entails. It is hoped that every patient will adhere to their doctor’s advice during the treatment process, particularly regarding pregnancy testing and contraception. Only by doing so can we ensure the safety and health of every individual while providing effective treatment.