The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set up an online web page to warn consumers not to purchase and use the generic form of the Accutane product. This medication, although approved by the FDA, is used for treating acne that is unresponsive to other treatments including antiobiotics.

However, the dangers of buying isotretinoin (the generic form of Accutane) online and using it improperly without medical supervision can cause the user severe side effects, including birth defects and serious mental health related problems

Health officials said Friday that Americans taking Accutane to fight acne may be given more time to register in a program that has been devised to limit the use of the drug by pregnant women.

Accutane has been found to cause birth defects, which is why officials are asking patients and doctors to register in a program called iPledge. Those looking to continue using the drug must be registered by March 1