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What medication to avoid

Always discuss issues with your own doctor if you're worried

Certain Medications Linked to Serious Side Effects in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are often inundated with a list of things to avoid and things to know while carrying a baby. Important information to know is which medications should not be taken during pregnancy.

Accutane is a medication that was commonly prescribed to treat severe acne, typically when other treatments proved ineffective. 

Over a period of more than 25 years, Accutane was prescribed to approximately 16 million patients. During this time, Accutane became associated with serious side effects, such as the development of severe birth defects and miscarriage when taken by pregnant women. It has also been linked to an increase risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in some patients.

Pregnant women should never take Accutane, as the medication may cause life-threatening birth defects that may affect a developing baby's brain, heart, ears, face, eyes, skull or head. These serious defects may develop following just one dose of Accutane.

The strong link between Accutane and the development of birth defects prompted the creation of the mandatory iPledge program. Through iPledge, women agree to use two forms of birth control and take regular pregnancy tests, or completely abstain from intercourse while taking Accutane. 

Another medication pregnant women should avoid is Avandia, prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. In studies, Avandia was shown to cross the human placenta and was detectable in fetal tissue, though the significance of this is not presently known. Since adequate studies have not been conducted on pregnant women, the medication guide for Avandia cautions pregnant women against the use of the drug. Avandia may also increase the risk of pregnancy when taken by women who are not pregnant.

Information about additional medications, including those taken during pregnancy, may be found on DrugWatch.com.