Investigation into acne medicine
Wednesday November 11th 2020
An investigation has been launched into the acne medicine isotretinoin amid concerns about its psychiatric and sexual side-effects.
Investigators want to know if users face long-term side-effects, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
The MHRA said it was seeking advice on whether to take additional regulatory action – which might just involve improving information for patients.
It has an expert group reviewing existing evidence but also wants to hear from patients and their families.
Dr Sarah Branch, from the MHRA, said: “All medicines can cause side effects, and we need to ensure that the benefits of taking isotretinoin outweigh the potential risks associated with this medicine. That is why we need people’s help to gather information on psychiatric or sexual disorders, that they have suffered, and suspect to be associated with isotretinoin treatment.
“The MHRA will work with patients and their families, as well as healthcare professionals and organisations, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the review. The agency is particularly interested to hear the experience of patients and families in the UK but would also welcome contributions from those living outside the UK.”
Tags: Dermatology | Infancy to Adolescence | Mental Health | Pharmaceuticals | UK News
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