Depressing News Relating to Oral Isotretinoin?

Whether it is the acne, the therapy, or multiple factors, patients with acne should be monitored for depression and suicidality.

The psychiatric risks of isotretinoin use for treatment of acne are controversial. Most studies have not shown a causal link between isotretinoin and depression, but many had multiple limitations. In addition, the presence of acne vulgaris may be associated with suicidal ideation and other psychopathology.

These authors conducted a large, retrospective analysis in Sweden to assess the risk for attempted suicide before, during, and after treatment with isotretinoin for severe acne. Among 5756 patients prescribed isotretinoin for severe acne and observed for 17,197 person-years before, 2,905 person-years during, and 87,120 person-years after treatment, 128 were admitted to the hospital on at least one occasion for attempted suicide. The author…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)