Despite strong warnings that Accutane can cause severe birth defects, women are still getting pregnant while taking the acne drug. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that the symbol used on Accutane packaging to warn patients of potential birth defects is often misunderstood.
Between 1998 and March 2000, more than 2,000 American women became pregnant while using Accutane. The drug's manufacturer, Roche Laboratories, is taking various steps to increase awareness in order to prevent Accutane related birth defects, such as offering gynecological counseling and free pregnancy tests.
The CDC found that the symbol included on Accutane's warning label, an image of a pregnant woman inside a circle with a line running through it, is often confused with birth control medication. The CDC is encouraging drug companies to improve package symbols.