Move Made to Increase Sales of Hazardous Drug Roaccutane

In the Australian marketplace, the medication Roaccutane (known as Accutane in the US), which is given to treat severe acne, can only be prescribed by a limited number of dermatologists and other specialists. These restrictions are in place because this powerful drug has been linked to a number of serious side effects including birth defects, depression, and suicidal behaviors. The Australian equivalent of the FDA (the Therapeutic Goods Administration, or TGA) is currently discussing the possibility of allowing all physicians to describe this toxic drug. The manufacturers and distributors of Roaccutane claim they have nothing to do with these potential changes. However, I have a hard time believing that, especially if the TGA and pharmaceutical companies have the same cozy relationship as such firms have with the FDA here in the states.

I find it quite an irony that the group within TGA considering this proposal is called "The National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee." At least the Australians are a bit more out front about the toxicity of many drugs than their American counterpart.

As with all medical concerns, acne is best dealt with via natural means, like a healthy, nutritious diet, ample amounts of pure water, plenty of physical activity, and natural skin care products that are free from dangerous chemicals. Living well is the best way to both prevent and treat acne.


Acne Drug 'May Lead to More Abortions'

Using the controversial acne drug Roaccutane could lead to more abortions, according to specialists.Roaccutane is used for the treatment of severe, persistent acne, but it has made headlines in recent years for its unproven links with depression and suicide.

According to dermatologists, a move by health authorities to allow GPs to prescribe the heavy-duty medication will push up prescription rates and endanger patients.

Dr Stephen Shumack, secretary of the Australasian College of Dermatologists said that there was a risk that patients would not be informed of the dangers of birth abnormalities among babies born to women taking Roaccutane, potentially causing them to choose an abortion.

"This would be a very bad move indeed," the Sydney Morning Hearld quoted Shumack, as saying.

"The college fears that appropriate people may not be given it, inappropriate people may be given it, and the side effects may not be managed appropriately.

"And, overall, far more people will be given it, which increases the risk of pregnancies, especially if this is not properly screened for, and then there's potentially more abortions," he added.

He said that under current arrangement there had been very few pregnancy issues with the drug.

More than 140,000 prescriptions were written for Roaccutane in the past financial year but prescribing is limited to the nation's 400 dermatologists and specialist physicians.

However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration''s national drugs and poisons scheduling committee said that it would consider a proposal to extend prescribing rights to include 18,000 GPs.

Roaccutane manufacturer Roche, and several firms that sell the drug generically, have denied making the request.

Shumack described it as "ill-conceived" and said the college would oppose it.

http://living.oneindia.in/health/pregnancy/2008/acne-drug-roaccutane-abortions-260808.html