The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers that purchasing the acne drug Accutane (isotretinoin) or one of its generic versions (Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret) from online pharmacies is dangerous.

Accutane is a drug approved for the treatment of severe acne that does not respond to other forms of treatment. If the drug is improperly used, it can cause severe side effects, including birth defects. Serious mental health problems have also been reported. Because of the possibility of serious birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while taking Accutane, the FDA in 2006 began requiring women taking the drug to show proof of a negative pregnancy test before receiving medication refills.

The FDA has created a new Web site to inform consumers about the dangers of purchasing Accutane through online pharmacies and to discourage consumers taking the medication unless under the supervision of a physician.

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