CONTRACEPTION

VERY IMPORTANT !

If you are female it is extremely important that you read and understand the information in this section.

Why MUST I Prevent Pregnancy ?

Even if you are not sexually active it is important that you understand the effects that Novatretin can have on the unborn child should you become pregnant while taking Novatretin.
The medication in Novatretin, acitretin, is teratogenic. This means that it can cause birth defects, that is, the unborn child can become deformed.

Birth defects can only be caused by Novatretin if you use Novatretin while you are pregnant, become pregnant while you are using Novatretin or become pregnant within three years of stopping taking your Novatretin.

Your doctor may give you a pregnancy test to ensure that you are not pregnant before allowing you to start taking Novatretin. Should you become pregnant while taking Novatretin or within three years after the end of your Novatretin treatment you will need to discuss the action that may need to be taken with your doctor. This is a very serious situation. For this reason it is vitally important to follow strict birth control procedures.

Who Needs To Be REALLY Careful?

ALL women of child bearing potential! This means any woman who is taking Novatretin, who is menstruating needs to follow a strict birth control procedure.

Before you can begin taking Novatretin you may be required to take a pregnancy test.

You MUST use strict birth control for at least one month before you start your Novatretin treatment, during the entire Novatretin treatment and for at least three years after you stop taking Novatretin.

You should wait until the 2nd or 3rd day of your next menstrual period before you start taking Novatretin. This is an extra check to make sure you are not pregnant.

If you do become pregnant while you are taking Novatretin, you should immediately stop taking your Novatretin and tell your doctor straight away. Novatretin does not affect your fertility in the long term. So even after taking Novatretin you should be able to become pregnant in the future.

Who Is Responsible For Making Sure I Don’t Get Pregnant ?

You are! The only person who can make sure that you do not get pregnant while you are taking Novatretin is you. It is relatively easy to prevent pregnancy. The details of the recommended strict birth control procedure are explained below.

Before you begin taking Novatretin your doctor will go through the risks associated with Novatretin and pregnancy. Your doctor may ask you to sign a Consent Form. Signing this form means that you understand these risks and that you will do everything possible to make sure that you do not become pregnant while you are taking Novatretin or for three years after you stop taking Novatretin.

What Is Strict Birth Control ?

Strict birth control or contraception means carefully following a regimen to make sure you do not become pregnant. The most effective form of birth control or contraception is ‘the pill’ (oral contraceptive) plus a barrier method (condom or diaphragm). You should carefully follow all the directions for the use of these methods of contraception.

Your doctor or your local Family Planning Clinic can provide you with more information about contraception. You will need a prescription for ‘the pill’, which can be provided by your doctor or local Family Planning Clinic.

When Can I Stop Being So Careful ?

Three years after the end of your Novatretin treatment the risk of birth defects is no greater than normal. Should you wish to become pregnant, you can do so three years after you have stopped taking Novatretin.

Where Can I Get More Help and Information ?

For further information about contraception contact your family doctor or your local Family Planning Clinic.