Topical retinoids during pregnancy (continued).
(1) In 1998 several cases of malformations similar to those induced by oral retinoids were reported in children exposed in utero to topical retinoids (adapalene and tretinoin). The results of two somewhat flawed epidemiological studies were reassuring. (2) New cases of birth defects were subsequently reported in children exposed in utero to topical tretinoin. (3) Epidemiological data are still scant and unconvincing: they neither confirm this risk nor rule it out completely. (4) It is best to avoid using topical retinoids altogether in early pregnancy. Women of child-bearing age must be fully informed of the risks and the importance of effective contraception. This also applies to patients with moderate forms of psoriasis, for which topical tazaroten is indicated.
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D017255:Acitretin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012176:Retinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D009281:Naphthalenes; D012176:Retinoids; D014212:Tretinoin; D017255:Acitretin