[DandG13]

Don't get me wrong suing deep pockets is destroying companies, but the way Accutane is being protrayed is also a joke. As a friend, microbiologist, put it "Accutane is a carcinogen," and would never ever prescribe. A good dermatologist will talk extensively with a person seeking to take the medication, no matter what age the patient, because of the very real high risk of depression/suicide associated. The possibility of birth defect is virtually 100%. Derms require women to be on the birth control pill for 30 days prior to starting Accutane treatment, and two other forms of birth control while taking the medication. Laboratory studies are performed prior to each new 30-day prescription, pregnancy testing required prior to each new prescription. Yes, there are a lot of women that have and are taking the course of this medication. The FDA and drug companies know this is a very dangerous drug, yet hey there's some very very big bucks to be made because it is used by so many. Many docs will not prescribe this medication.

[TomB]

Try reading the article before responding.

[JohnBovenmyer]

"Accutane is a carcinogen,"

Not to the best of my knowledge. As a Dermatologist who trained under the man who conducted much of the original research on Accutane for acne I think I'd know if it was. It certainly is a teratogen so great lengths are and should be taken to avoid exposing pregnant women to it, but it is not a carcinogen. Actually Accutane has been used to prevent certain cancers with modest success. As for the alleged suicide link, what real science I've seen agrees with Fumento's article.