Additional steps proposed to ensure antiacne drug used only in appropriate patient population

Article Abstract:

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a medication used for severe, cystic acne that has not been alleviated by other treatments and will most likely cause scarring if left untreated. The drug is not appropriate for patients with less severe acne, as there are other medications available that are preferable. The most troubling side effect of isotretinoin is the risk of birth defects and spontaneous abortions if taken by pregnant women. The teratogenic (causing fetal abnormalities) effect of the drug was recognized before marketing, and the manufacturer took measures to inform physicians and patients that the drug should not be taken during pregnancy. While the drug packaging has always contained a warning, additional steps are now being taken by Hoffmann-La Roche, the drug manufacturer, and by the Food and Drug Administration and medical groups. A videocassette warning of the risk associated with the use of this drug during pregnancy is being developed to show to female patients in the doctor's office, and female patients are also being referred for pregnancy tests before the drug is prescribed. Efforts directed at improved patient education and monitoring appear to be paying off. The rates of birth defects and spontaneous abortions have dropped substantially since the first 18 months of the drug's availability; there were 17 birth defects and 20 miscarriages reported at this time. Birth defects associated with isotretinoin numbered four in 1989, three in 1988, 10 in 1987 and 12 in 1986. Experts disagree about the potential number of unreported birth defects linked with this antiacne drug. A study is underway to follow over 31,000 women who are using isotretinoin; to date, almost all of these patients have been aware of the importance of preventing pregnancy while taking isotretinoin. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abnormalities, Product development, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Fetus, Drug therapy, Birth defects, Miscarriage, Acne, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Isotretinoin, Accutane (Medication)

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Growing Hispanic Association Serves Increasing Population

Article Abstract:

The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) is working hard to improve health care for Hispanic Americans. Hispanic-American doctors formed the national organization in 1997 and held its first conference. The Hispanic population is medically underserved, and it is estimated that half the Hispanic population younger than 65 years of age has no health insurance. Overall, 34% of Hispanics are uninsured compared with 15% of the white population, according to the US Census Bureau. There are few Hispanic doctors, and one reason may be the 50% high school dropout rate among Hispanic Americans.

Services, Associations, Hispanic Americans, National Hispanic Medical Association

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Global Network Fights a Rounder Population

Article Abstract:

The goals of the Collaborating Network on Genetics, Nutrition, Exercise, and Health are described. The network was formed to develop methods of preventing and treating chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, some forms of cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Research, Chronic diseases, Obesity

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