...By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Isotretinoin, also known as Roaccutane, is an anti-acne drug that has been linked to various side
effects, including suicidal behavior, depression, anxiety, psychotic symptoms, and sexual dysfunction.
Health officials have recommended additional safety measures to improve the drug’s safety.
Isotretinoin is usually prescribed to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
Although the benefits of the drug are believed to outweigh the risks, health officials recommend taking extra measures to improve safety.
According to a new report, it is not possible to say for sure that isotretinoin causes psychiatric and sexual side effects that have been reported by patients.
Recommendations for Improving the Safety of Isotretinoin Use
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended several measures to improve the safety of isotretinoin use.
These measures include tighter controls on prescribing the drug to patients under 18, improved monitoring of psychiatric and sexual health, better information for patients and their families about the risks of isotretinoin, and updates to warnings and the list of side effects in the product information.
Dr. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer of the MHRA, stated that the benefits of isotretinoin for severe acne continue to outweigh the risks.
However, she emphasized the need for action to ensure that patients are better informed about the risks, monitored throughout treatment, and that additional scrutiny is applied to prescribing the drug to patients under 18.
Isotretinoin and Suicide
The drug has been linked to several suicides, including that of teenager Annabel Wright, who took her own life six months after being prescribed the drug to treat her acne.
In September 2020, an inquest found no direct link between her death and isotretinoin.
However, her parents insist that their daughter died without warning and without any mitigating circumstances other than she was taking a drug that can cause suicide.
Commentary:
Isotretinoin is a powerful drug that can have serious side effects.
While it can be effective in treating severe acne, it is important for patients to be aware of the risks involved and for healthcare providers to take extra measures to ensure their safety.
The recommendations made by the MHRA are a step in the right direction towards improving the safety of isotretinoin use.
However, it is crucial for patients and their families to be proactive in monitoring their health and seeking medical attention if they experience any concerning side effects.
