3 replies to this topic

[googler123]

Hi,
I feel so worried because I know I want to get pregnant in the next couple years, but I dont' want to stop my medication (spiro), which I know you cannot take during pregnancy, because I will start breaking out again. Has anyone out there had a similar experience? Are there any effective medications that you can take during pregnancy or while trying to conceive?

[buffy25]

I am so worried too! I want to try soon, but I am currently on 150 mg/spiro and SO scared of what's going to happen when I get off...

[kittenkaboodle]

There are very few medications that you can use during pregnancy for acne. Well, all prescription medications are ranked from pregnancy categories A, B, C, D or X

A means from the studies done, there seems to be no fetal risk. Unfortunately, there aren't many meds like this.
B means there are some possible risks, and you have to weigh them but is not known to be directly harmful to the fetus
C means there is either nothing known about it during pregnancy or there are some documented risks.
D means there are risks that show harm to the fetus, and the med should only be used if the benefits to the mother outweigh risks to the fetus.
X is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy.

I just did this off the top of my head, but this is a rough guideline if you're doing research. Accutane is D (should be X IMO), spiro is D, even BP is C (although generally considered to be safe), retinoids are C, etc. Basically, there is almost nothing that is 100% safe. I would discuss your personal situation with your doctor and get a risk-based recommendation from him or her.

[mikanna]

I am pregnant right now, and I am NOT taking any acne medications right now. I have hormonal acne (on chin, jawline)... I wear makeup everyday. I am too scared to even risk taking any medications while I have this precious baby inside me. It's not worth it. It may be a difficult 10 months to have to deal with acne (I feel for you... I worry about acne a lot), but once you feel that precious baby moving inside you, you won't even think twice about putting him/her in any danger. On the plus side, we're women so at least we can wear makeup and cover up.