Ive just started taking Oratane and have been told that I need to use two forms of contraception. Is this really necessary?
Yes, absolutely. All brands of oral isotretinoin have the potential to cause birth defects. Therefore it is vital that you are not pregnant or plan to become pregnant at any stage of the treatment, which includes one full reproductive cycle after ceasing the treatment. High doses of vitamin A also carry the risk of birth defects. Many doctors advise two forms of reliable contraception to minimise any chance of falling pregnant while on oral isotretinoin. About five per cent of pregnancies occur while using contraceptive measures properly. So, if one method fails, the second method minimises the risk.
