Severe acne sufferers treated with the drug isotretinoin face an elevated risk of suicide, according to a Swedish study released this month.
Although findings did not wholly distinguish between the effects of the acne itself and the effects of the drug, an increased risk of attempted suicide was apparent up to six months after the end of treatment with isotretinoin.
The study’s findings support increased mental health monitoring of patients for up to a year after taking the drug. Since its introduction in the 1980s, the drug has been used for the treatment of severe acne, commonly prescribed under the name Accutane.
The study, however, also found there was already an increasing risk of suicide before the treatment, due to the inherent stress of having severe acne.
Swedish researchers conducted the study over 20 years based on the use of isotretinoin and hospital records of suicide victims or patients with suicidal thoughts.
Read the full story at the Minnesota Daily.
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