Yes, you can generally continue taking isotretinoin during your menstrual period as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The timing of your period does not typically require you to stop or pause your isotretinoin treatment. However, it is important to understand the relationship between isotretinoin and the menstrual cycle.
Isotretinoin's Effects on the Menstrual Cycle
While you continue your medication as scheduled, be aware that isotretinoin can influence your menstrual cycle. Isotretinoin treatment could affect the menstrual cycle [1,19], according to studies conducted globally.
Common menstrual irregularities that may occur during isotretinoin therapy include:
- Changes in flow
- Skipped periods
- Amenorrhea (the complete absence of menstruation)
The reference highlights that these changes can be a source of significant worry. Menstrual irregularities during isotretinoin therapy "can cause a great deal of concern regarding the possibility of pregnancy or permanent menstrual cycle irregularity" [10-Nov-2022].
Why Your Period Matters During Isotretinoin Treatment
Even though you take isotretinoin continuously, your menstrual cycle is crucial during your treatment for several reasons:
- Pregnancy Prevention: Isotretinoin is known to cause severe birth defects. Monitoring your menstrual cycle is a key part of the required pregnancy prevention programs (like iPLEDGE in the U.S.). Regular periods are often used to help confirm a non-pregnant state before each prescription refill. Menstrual irregularities can complicate this monitoring.
- Monitoring for Side Effects: Changes to your cycle, such as irregularities or absence of periods, are potential side effects of isotretinoin that should be reported to your doctor.
- Addressing Concerns: If you experience changes to your period, discussing these concerns with your healthcare provider is important to rule out pregnancy and understand the potential impact on your cycle health.
Always follow your dermatologist's instructions precisely regarding your medication schedule and dosage. Do not stop taking isotretinoin during your period unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Report any menstrual cycle changes you experience while on treatment.
