12/05/2007 - National Legal News

A British study released last month indicates that the acne drug Roaccutane may lead to an increased risk of depression and even suicidal behavior.

The study claims that the drug, marketed as Accutane in the U.S., may interfere with the brain’s production and transmission of the hormone serotonin. This hormone is believed to help regulate a variety of behaviors, including anger and aggression, and low serotonin levels have been associated with depression.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency reports that,
in the United Kingdom alone, 26 people have committed suicide after taking the drug. An additional 50 Roaccutane users have either tried to commit suicide or have thought about doing so, according to agency records.

Roaccutane is made by Roche, a healthcare company based in Switzerland. A spokesman for the company says that severe acne sufferers may develop depression and low self-esteem, which is why Roaccutane packaging includes a warning that some patients may experience mood disturbances. He added, though, that the drug has successfully treated millions of patients in the 25 years it has been available.