No link between Accutane and psychiatric problems: Manufacturer
Hoffmann LaRoche says there is no causal relationship between Accutane and depression or suicide. Experts point out that no one factor causes suicide and that a high percentage of Accutane users -teens and young adults- are already more likely to get depressed.
But some doctors say there's plenty of evidence to support a link between Accutane and depression and suicide. And they argue that evidence of the link dates back to Arctic explorers of the 19th century
the Ottawa Citizen's
report on Accutane
Health Canada information out of date
So what does Health Canada tell consumers about Accutane? Its website includes information that is more than eleven years old. There is no warning about the reports of depression or suicide.
Dr. Brian Gillespie, Health Canada's senior medical advisor, says there are plans to update the information on the website. The department, he says, is also in the process of determining whether Hoffman LaRoche will have to strengthen the warnings on Accutane sold in Canada.
"We're examining that issue, and as to whether or not in the Canadian context it would enhance adherence to the warnings and precautions that are in the Accutane prescribing information," Gillespie told Marketplace. "At the present time we have not made any decision, it is still under review."
Ottawa dermatologist Dr. Elgin Duke says it's ultimately up to doctors who prescribe Accutane to make their patients aware of the risks.
"As far as the depression is concerned, I discuss it with the patient, but I now ask a member of the family to be present when we discuss it," Duke explained.
"I want a father, brother, mother, somebody to be aware that a personality change and depression may occur. It's an extremely rare risk and it's not a reason to not take the drug, but if they notice any change then we would stop the drug and look for some alternative."
Duke believes dermatologists in Canada are warning their patients, but he's not so sure about the increasing number of family doctors who are prescribing Accutane.
Marketplace conducted a small survey of Toronto area doctors who prescribe Accutane to find out what kinds of warnings they are giving their patients.
Of ten doctors, only one said he warned patients about the link to depression and suicide. Some said they weren't aware of such a link and others did not think it was that serious. (For Canadian Medical Association response to the Marketplace survey of doctors, click here.)
Nancy Daines says doctors should know better. She wants Health Canada and Hoffmann LaRoche to offer the same warnings to Canadians now being given Americans.
"Some kids could die," Daines told Marketplace. "Depression … runs high with teens on a normal basis, so if they do happen to be taking this medication, they should definitely be very cautious about it."
Her daughter Erin agrees. "I think that people should know about it," Erin says. "I don't want people to make the same mistake I did."
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