IS IT SAFE TO TAKE ROACCUTANE?
ROACCUTANE works by shrinking the oil glands and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Because it reduces the amount of oil produced, it also diminishes the number of acne bacteria (P.acnes) which live in the oil.
‘It’s a powerful but safe and effective drug for severe acne,’ says dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto.
‘There has been controversy over the drug after a number of suicides in teenagers who took it were reported, but no causal link has been established.
‘Roaccutane is safe so long as it’s used with caution in people who have a history of mental health problems, and they are closely monitored while on the drugs for any signs of depression,’ she adds.
But there may be better options.