While using retinoids, patients should consult their physician before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal medications. Patients should not drink alcohol while using retinoids and for at least two months after stopping use.

Some types of retinoids may interact with other types of medication and cause serious side effects. Patients should inform their physician if they are taking any of the following:

• Birth control pills that contain only progestin (“minipills”)
• Vitamin A supplements
• Tetracycline (antibiotic drug used to treat infection)
• Methotrexate (a disease modifying antirheumatic drug [DMARD])
• Phenytoin (anticonvulsant drug)
• Corticosteroids
• St. John’s Wort