Roche said it will stop selling the acne drug Accutane as sales of the treatment continue falling amid competition from less expensive generic versions.

Generic versions of the acne treatment have been on the market since 2002 and Roche's branded product's market share has since slipped to less than 5 percent.

The decision was made for economic reasons, not safety reasons, the company said. The drug has a rocky safety history, having been linked to birth defects if taken during pregnancy, along with depression and suicidal thoughts. The company said costs for personal-injury lawsuits are high, but it continues to "rigorously" defend the drug.

Dr. Steven Grekin, a dermatologist in Warren, Mich., said he has safely prescribed Accutane for more than 1,000 patients over the years. Most suffered from minor side effects like chapped lips and dry skin.

Grekin actually used Accutane himself as a teenager.

"I had horrible nodulocystic acne. I wouldn't take my shirt off to go swimming at the beach. My face looked like a wreck. I took it. It cleared me. I've never had a problem since," said Grekin.

Grekin said he remains convinced the drug is safe when prescribed by a specialist who can properly educate patients about the potential risks.

"I think this represents purely a business decision based on increased competition in the market," said Grekin.

Grekin said patients who have not had problems with Accutane will be able to switch to the generic versions. He cautioned anyone who experiences side effects should contact his or her doctor right away.