( On Wednesday the FDA launched a specia...)Web Page to Warn Against Online Purchase of Isotretinoin,Health

On Wednesday, the FDA launched a special Web page. This web page is aimed at discouraging consumers from purchasing the acne drug isotretinoin, sold by Roche// under the brand name Accutane, on the Internet.

The drug claims to cure severe acne that is not controlled by other treatment forms. FDA warns that if used improperly, the drug causes birth defects and severe mental health problems.

The FDA warning page appears in online search results for Accutane (isotretinoin) or its other generic versions(Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) FDA advises that this drug be taken only under the direction of a physician or a pharmacist.

Isotretinoin manufacturers have already issued safeguards to reduce the risks of the drug, like the iPLEDGE risk management program. They warn women using isotretinoin to stop using the drug in case of pregnancy and pregnant women not to use isotretinoin.

Research studies have revealed that isotretinoin causes severe side effects in expectant mothers, such as birth defects and fetal death, and also might cause depression and suicide.

FDA data released in 2004 showed that these measures had little effect on the number of pregnant women taking the drug.

The FDA began to register physicians, prescription drug wholesalers, pharmacists and women into iPledge, since Dec. 30, 2005, which asks women to submit two negative pregnancy tests in order to receive a prescription for isotretinoin.

Women have to undergo a pregnancy test every month and must accept to use two different forms of birth control at the time of treatment with isotretinoin and for one month after treatment has ended, according to FDA.

Women also have to sign a text to acknowledge that isotretinoin can amplify risk for birth defects, depression and suicidal thoughts. About 165,000 people have registered with iPledge, which FDA administers jointly with companies that sell the drug.


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