Renewed Fears About Acne Drug and Depression

Since our last newsletter, further developments linking depression to the acne drug Roaccutane have come to light. According to new research, the popular drug prescribed to teenagers with severe acne, produced depression related behaviour in mice. At SkinGenesis we are very aware of the headlines linked to this acne drug and, for many of our clients, this latest revelation will be read with interest.  Of course it's possible to have acne treatment without the need for any medication.

The research, carried out by scientists at the University of Bath, has found that adolescent mice were left immobile for longer than normal during stress tests after a 6 week course of Roaccutane. This immobility was interpreted as an indication that the mice were exhibiting signs of depression, although scientists said further work was now needed to establish whether the drug produces the same reactions in humans.

This is the first report of its kind to provide scientific evidence behind the controversial claims that Roaccutane has caused depression and suicide in clients since its introduction in 1982. Indeed, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency had received 1,588 reports to date of suspected adverse events experienced by people taking the drug. This included 25 people who died from suicide.

It must be acknowledged that Roaccutane is still a successful drug that some say has revolutionised the treatment of severe acne but it does carry health risks, including warnings of an increase in depression. At SkinGenesis we have supported and treated many clients who have been prescribed the drug and many of those feel uncomfortable with or are just not willing to accept its side-effects.

It is as a result of this increasing demand that we now provide an alternative remedy that treats acne using non-surgical cosmetic procedures, like microdermabrasion and peels, coupled with skincare kits. We provide 4 guaranteed programmes tailored to the severity of the acne and have seen some terrific results without risk.

If you do suffer from acne then read about acne myths