Accutane is still being sold.
There are a number of warnings concerning Accutane. Let me cite this section which is from the Drugs.com information page concerning accutane:
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Accutane is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the dangers of this medication and that you agree to use birth control as required by the program.
Ask your doctor or call the drug maker if you have questions about the program or the written requirements.
It is dangerous to try and purchase Accutane on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of Accutane outside of the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medication.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to isotretinoin or to parabens, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Accutane:
- a personal or family history of depression or mental illness;
- heart disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;
- osteoporosis or other bone disorders;
- diabetes;
- asthma;
- an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa); or
- liver disease.
Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause major birth defects of the baby's ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.For Women: Unless you have had your uterus and
ovaries removed (total hysterectomy) or have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential.
Even women who have had their tubes tied are required to use birth control while taking Accutane.
You must have a negative pregnancy test 30 days before you start taking Accutane. A pregnancy test is also required before each prescription is refilled, right after you take your last dose of Accutane, and again 30 days later. All pregnancy testing is required by the iPLEDGE program.
You must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control beginning 30 days before you start taking Accutane and ending 30 days after you stop taking it. Both a primary and a secondary
form of birth control must be used together.
Primary forms of birth control include:
- tubal ligation (tubes tied);
- vasectomy of the male sexual partner;
- an IUD (intrauterine device);
- estrogen-containing birth control pills (not mini-pills); and
- hormonal birth control patches, implants, injections, or vaginal ring.
Secondary forms of birth control include:
- a male latex condom plus spermicidal foam or gel;
- a diaphragm plus spermicidal foam or gel;
- a cervical cap plus spermicidal foam or gel; and
- a vaginal sponge containing spermicide.
Stop using Accutane and call your doctor at once if you
have unprotected sex, if you quit using birth control, if your period is late, or if you think you might be pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking Accutane, call the iPLEDGE pregnancy registry at 1-866-495-0654.
