Australia. The Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC) has received 21 reports of suicidal ideation or attempts associated with isotretinoin (Accure, Oratane, Roaccutane)-use. The reports involved patients aged 13 40 (median 18) years, and fatal outcomes were documented in two cases. ADRAC agrees that severe acne can affect a patient's self-esteem, leading to depression. However, ADRAC advises that patients and their families should be made aware of the risk of depression when isotretinoin is prescribed, and the importance of seeking urgent reassessment if signs of depression develop.

Reference:

Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee. Acne, isotretinoin and suicidality. Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin, June 2005, 24(3):10.