Acne medicine is ‘critically important,’ dermatologists say

The acne drug isotretinoin, or Accutane, has been under attack for many years because of safety concerns. Reports have linked the drug to an increased risk of suicide and of inflammatory bowel disease. But in an updated position statement, the American Academy of Dermatology defends the availability of the drug and says the reports of serious side effects are not supported.

The brand name drug, Accutane, is no longer manufactured. But isotretinoin is sold under a variety of other names, including Amnesteem, Claravis, Clarus and Decutan. The academy statement asserts that recent studies show that the increased suicide risk among users of the medication is most likely due to the psychological effects of acne, not the drug. The group also says that “current evidence is insufficient to prove either an association or a causal relationship between isotretinoin use and inflammatory bowel disease in the general population.”

However, isotretinoin is considered the treatment-of-choice for severe, cystic acne, the academy statement noted. Doctors are advised to monitor their patients for any side effects, such as depression or inflammatory bowel disease. Doctors and patients must also follow the iPLEDGE risk management program that guards against pregnancy during isotretinoin therapy. The drug can cause severe birth defects.

Related: Acne medicine users at heightened suicide risk

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