The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that despite prevention efforts there are still women who become pregnant while taking the drug AccutaneŽ. AccutaneŽ is a prescription medication given for severe acne and is linked to birth defects such as brain, heart and facial defects. Physicians and health care professional should make sure that their patients fully understand the potential for harm by becoming pregnant while using this medication.
Recommendations currently given to women taking AccutaneŽ and could possibly become pregnant include:
*Have two negative pregnancy tests, including one on the 2nd day of their next normal menstrual period, before beginning the medication
*Use two forms of effective birth control
*Have repeat pregnancy tests every month
*Register with the survey that monitors the experience of women on this medication
For more information about this topic you may go to the following websites:
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/accutane.htm
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/accutane/default.htm