Woman clears severe acne with controversial drug Roaccutane

Roaccutane was linked to people who had died by suicide in 2015 but no firm evidence was found

Official figures in 2015 research from UK drugs regulator the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, showed 20 people took their own lives while on Roaccutane from mid-2012 to mid-2014, but no firm evidence had been found.   

According to Roche, the Swiss health care company that develops the acne drug, there was found to be ‘no causal link’ to suicidal tendencies but as a precaution they updated their leaflet to include this in the side effects.

Simon Rivers, Roche’s Country Medical Lead in the UK, said: ‘Roche understands that severe acne can affect individuals immensely.

‘We are committed to optimising the use of our medicines. Thus ensuring clinicians and patients have the information they need to make informed decisions for the best outcome for the patient.’

A Roche spokesman added: ‘Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is a licenced medicine for the treatment of severe acne.

‘Isotretinoin is a prescription only medicine that can have side effects and therefore can only be safely used under the care and supervision of suitably qualified consultant dermatologists.

‘The patient information leaflet, which is inside every pack of isotretinoin tablets, informs patients about possible side effects by means of special warnings and precautions for use.

‘Roche and the regulatory authorities constantly evaluate the safety of all medicines.

‘We regularly update the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet for all Roche medicines to reflect the most up-to-date safety data so that all parties can make informed decisions.’ 

Devastated parents claim their son, 21, killed himself after side effects from an acne drug he took at 16 

Luke Reeves (pictured) had been a handsome and popular teenager but his parents Robert and Becky said his character changed after he took Roaccutane

Luke Reeves (pictured) had been a handsome and popular teenager but his parents Robert and Becky said his character changed after he took Roaccutane

In May 2017 one family were left devastated when their 21-year-old son took his own life after taking Roaccutane.

They claimed Luke Reeves killed himself after the acne drug he took changed his personality. 

They said he became irrational, lethargic and finally suicidal. They believe the change in his personality was down to the enduring side effects of the drug and are speaking out to raise awareness. 

Luke underwent a four month course of Roaccutane when he was 16 to clear his acne. The drug carries warnings of side effects including depression and mood changes. 

But his parents said his character change was permanent and Mrs Reeves, 45, who is also an accountant, said: ‘There were lots of little things which were side effects of the drugs.

‘He could not concentrate and he became obsessive and compulsive. He was irrational. He became sensitive to high temperatures and I took him to be tested for diabetes because he was so thirsty.’ 

Luke first attempted suicide last summer and again in October. He was in the intensive care unit for nine days before being transferred temporarily to the Lakes Mental Health unit in Colchester.

He took his life in April 2017 and his inquest was opened and adjourned the following month.

The Government agency, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulation Authority, has reviewed the safety of the drug but said the results were inconclusive.

However, it advised patients to contact their doctor straight away if they experienced any psychiatric disorders.

Drug manufacturer Roche released a statement following the tragic suicide of Mr Reeves which his parents link to its product Roaccutane.   

Robert and Becky Reeves, from Copford, Essex, want to raise awareness of the possible link between Roaccutane and long term depression

Robert and Becky Reeves, from Copford, Essex, want to raise awareness of the possible link between Roaccutane and long term depression

Commenting on the situation Dr. Rav Seeruthun, Medical Director at Roche, said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear about Luke and offer our sympathies to his family during what must be an incredibly difficult time.’ 

Expanding on the impact of Roaccutane, known in the industry as isotretinoin, he added: ‘We recognise that severe acne can lead to changes in mood, self-esteem and in some sufferers lead to depression.

‘This is why the information provided with isotretinoin carries a warning that some patients may experience mood changes, including an increase in depression.’

‘And whilst authors recognised several limitations in their research, a retrospective study published in the BMJ in 2010 didn’t establish a link between isotretinoin and an observed increased risk of suicide.

‘Additionally, the MHRA concluded in December 2014, that whilst a causal link cannot be ruled out, it was not possible to identify a clear increase in risk of psychiatric disorders in people who take isotretinoin compared to those who do not.’ 



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