Isotretinoin shrinks the oil glands and thins the epidermal barrier ... Isotretinoin is known to cause severe birth defects and miscarriages in people who are pregnant, says Wong.

An increase in birth defects among newborns in the Gaza Strip - first documented in the Palestine Telegraph - has become apparent, despite claims to the contrary by some doctors at Al-Shifa Hospital.

Theo Grataloup, 17, who was born with severe abnormalities of the oesophagus and larynx, said he represents all those with birth defects. Grataloup, who spoke to the AFP news agency Thursday ...