On Healthy Living

Dermatologists are complaining that a new system to regulate the prescription acne drug Accutane is “a disaster,” confusing and frustrating doctors who want to prescribe the drug to women.

One of the most highly prescribed (and controversial) drugs on the market, Acutane works by stopping the skin’s oil production, which can help stop acne formation. It’s touted as a miracle cure by many who have used it.

It also causes miscarriages and serious birth defects. Despite warnings against getting pregnant while on the drug (women are often encouraged to use two forms of birth control while on Accutane) many still do get pregnant, often with heartbreaking results.

The new system, called iPledge, would require women to undergo pregnancy tests before being prescribed the drug, and they would have to stay on birth control while taking it.

The American Academy of Dermatology says it has received about 200 complaints about the system, including the fact that the plan says men must have pregnancy tests as well. The academy has asked that the date for starting the new system be pushed back until some of the wrinkles are ironed out.

More than 170,000 presecriptions for Accutane are written every year; about half go to women. If you ask me, whatever the system can do to make sure those women (and their potential children) are safe is worth whatever inconvenience it might cause dermatologists and patients alike.

(Source: New York Times)

Sarah White wrote this on February 13th, 2006 and filed it under Healthy Living, Women's Health |