More than 250 prescriptions of the drug Roaccutane, which has been associated with causing depression and suicidal thoughts, were made by the Hospital Pharmacy to 97 different patients last year.
Dr Anna Kakula said that while the drug was a ‘very effective treatment’ for acne, patients who use it should advise their friends and families so that their behaviour can be monitored.
Earlier this month a spokesperson from the Adverse Psychiatric Reactions Information Link said that Roaccutane was being over-prescribed by doctors in the UK who were giving it out ‘like sweets’ despite its possible adverse effects.
The families of two young men in the UK who took their own lives after using the medication said that it led to a significant change in their personalities.
Robert Reeves, the father of 21-year-old Luke Reeves who died last month, said that his son became ‘more withdrawn’ while taking a four-month course of the drug when he was aged 16.
Dr Kukula, who is the consultant dermatologist at Jersey General Hospital, said that Isotretinoin – the active ingredient in Roaccutane – was ‘certainly not’ a treatment for every acne patient.
She said: ‘The dermatology department is very aware of the potential side effects of this drug. This is why all acne patients who are considered for Isotretinoin can only be seen by a dermatology consultant prior to commencing treatment.
‘Patients, and parents in the case of minors, are urged to look out for and report any concerns about mood changes.’
