CASRN: 4759-48-2
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
No information is available on the use of isotretinoin during breastfeeding. Various topical agents that are less likely to be absorbed by the mother may be preferred during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
A woman who had weaned her infant 18 months previously developed a nipple discharge from her right breast after 5.5 months of therapy with isotretinoin. Microbiological, hormonal (including prolactin), radiologic, and physical examinations were otherwise normal. One month after discontinuing isotretinoin, the discharge ceased. After isotretinoin was reinstituted at the same dose, the discharge reappeared within 10 days.[1] The galactorrhea was probably caused by isotretinoin.
A review of adverse reaction reports on retinoids causing a breast reaction submitted to a French pharmacovigilance center found 22 cases of gynecomastia was associated with isotretinoin use. Fourteen of the cases were gynecomastia, 6 were galactorrhea and 2 were of both gynecomastia and galactorrhea. Gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea was unilateral for almost half of the reported retinoid cases. The median time of onset was 90 days (IQR 39 to 347 days). The outcome was known for 27 of 31 patients and a total recovery after withdrawal of retinoid was observed for 63% of them.[2]
Alternate Drugs to Consider
(Acne) Azelaic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tretinoin
References
- 1.
- Larsen GK. Iatrogenic breast discharge with isotretinoin. Arch Dermatol. 1985;121:450-1. [PubMed: 3856419]
- 2.
- Atzenhoffer M, Pierre S, Bellet F et al. Gynecomastia and galactorrhea: Unlabeled adverse drug reactions of retinoids used in dermatology. Drug Safety. 2018;41:1198-9. Abstract. DOI: 10.1007/s40264-018-0719-2. [CrossRef]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Isotretinoin
CAS Registry Number
4759-48-2
Drug Class
- Breast Feeding
- Lactation
- Dermatologic Agents
- Keratolytic Agents
- Retinoids
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Publication Details
Publication History
Last Revision: December 3, 2018.
Copyright
Attribution Statement: LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Publisher
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda (MD)
NLM Citation
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-. Isotretinoin. [Updated 2018 Dec 3].