I am the dermatologist referred to here. I am sorry this poster had such a bad experience with this medication, but I want to correct some things he/she said.

I am the dermatologist referred to here. I am sorry this poster had such a bad experience with this medication, but I want to correct some things he/she said. First of all Accutane was not found by coincidence - it was very intentionally synthesized in the mid-late 60s. It has been known for years that high dose Vitamin A clears acne, but at doses so high it was harmful to the liver. So Accutane was developed to maintain the good effect on acne (which is to shrink sebaceous/oil glands) and get rid of the hepatotoxity (ill effect on liver). But like high-dose Vitamin A it is a teratogen, which is a medication that has a bad effect on an embryo. Lots of drugs have this same issue - when you pick them up at the pharmacy they come with a sticker or insert that says "don't take if you are or may become pregnant" but the focus is on Accutane because acne is such a common condition and mostly occurs in teens and early twenties, a sexually active child-bearing population. Many of the other drugs with this same issue are used for less common conditions in much older patients. And yes, it can be sun-sensitizing, like many meds. As for the mood effects: lots of studies looking at this - all designed as retrospective studies comparing group of adolescent acne patients treated with Accutane with acne kids treated with antibiotics (NOT compared to kids who have NO acne, and so have one less thing to be unhappy about). Studies consistently show the Accutane treated groups have LESS negative mood issues than their antibiotic-treated counterparts - basically because their acne is gone for junior high/high school/college. AND this prevents scarring - we can always prevent scarring, and can never really undo it. In fact , there are recent reports of patients suing for scarring that resulted from NOT being prescribed Accutane! I am sorry about all the lawyer trolling of the internet for business and am aware of all the online support groups around purported ill effects of various drugs - nothing I can do about it. It is true that Hoffman LaRoche stopped making name brand Accutane in 2009 - but only because they couldn't compete financially with the four other companies who entered the market with branded generics. And in fact a fifth company has just come out with another competitor this past month. After the patient and parent watch the video, I go back in the room and spend as much time as they need with whatever questions they may have - and then for girls I excuse the mom/parent to the waiting room for a careful and confidential contraception discussion!