Isotretinoin

The verdict raises a question: If Accutane (generic name isotretinoin) has such dramatic side effects why is it still on the market? ❋ Unknown (2010)

A paper, published today in the British Medical Journal says drugs such as Roaccutane isotretinoin reduce the suicide risk in some young people as it improves their appearance. ❋ Sarah Boseley (2010)

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute tracked 5,756 men and women -- whose mean age upon starting to use isotretinoin, interestingly, was 22 and 27, respectively -- during the years before and after their isotretinoin use and during their treatment. ❋ Jennifer LaRue Huget (2010)

"For certain vulnerable patients, however, isotretinoin may trigger such behaviour," it finds. ❋ Sarah Boseley (2010)

In short, it turns out that severe acne itself may be a suicide risk factor, and taking isotretinoin can either exacerbate that risk or reduce it. ❋ Jennifer LaRue Huget (2010)

"All patients with acne of a severity for which isotretinoin is needed should have psychosocial factors and suicidal intent monitored," wrote Parker Magin and John Sullivan of the University of Newcastle and University of New South Wales in Australia, in an accompanying commentary. ❋ AP (2010)

Some evidence has suggested that people taking isotretinoin are at increased risk of suicide, but science has had trouble pinning down that association. ❋ Jennifer LaRue Huget (2010)

"For this reason, close monitoring of the mental status of patients receiving isotretinoin, as well as those with severe acne, should be a part of the treatment process and should continue for at least a year after the end of treatment." ❋ Sarah Boseley (2010)

The risk of birth defects from getting too much vitamin A is also the reason that pregnant women and those trying to conceive should stay away from the prescription acne drug isotretinoin (also known by the brand name Accutane, among others) and other drugs related to retinol (a compound of vitamin A). ❋ Unknown (2010)

If you -- or your kid -- has severe acne that hasn't responded to the usual treatments, you may find yourself facing a decision as to whether to take isotretinoin, a drug marketed as Accutane, Decutan, Clarus and other brands, that is highly successful at treating stubborn acne. ❋ Jennifer LaRue Huget (2010)

Have you or a loved one had experience with isotretinoin? ❋ Jennifer LaRue Huget (2010)

"Some of the patients, possibly vulnerable to isotretinoin, who made their first suicide attempt in close relation to treatment, may have done so as a consequence of exposure to the drug," they write. ❋ Sarah Boseley (2010)

Swedish researchers at the Karolinska Institute studied data from nearly 6,000 people who were prescribed the drug isotretinoin between 1980 and 1989. ❋ AP (2010)