FDA reports link Accutane to depression

By Susan Luth

Daily Staff Reporter

After Congressman Bart Stupak's son BJ committed suicide last May, he and his wife Laurie couldn't figure out why. But the Stupaks are convinced the acne medication BJ was using - Accutane - ultimately led to their son's death.

Accutane is prescribed as a last resort for severe cases of acne. In researching, Laurie Stupak said she was stunned to find that the Federal Food and Drug Administration had published reports indicating that Accutane may trigger psychosis and suicidal tendencies. A 1998 FDA report linked the drug with 31 reports of suicide, suicide attempts or having thoughts of suicide. Despite these reports, no warning label accompanied the drug.

More recent FDA reports links 147 cases of suicide and hospitalization for depression to Accutane between 1982 and May 2000.

"BJ had not shown signs of depression, and if we had known that this drug could cause depression, suicide ideation or suicide, BJ would never have come into contact with Accutane," said Bart Stupak (D-Menominee).

Since BJ Stupak's death, Roche Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Accutane, has added a warning label to the drug but has not officially stated that depression and suicide are directly caused by using the drug.

Roche public affairs director Melissa Zirkus said that the reports of suicide and depression are not characterized as side effects because they are merely feelings and situations reported by Accutane consumers.

"Side effects need to be scientifically proven," she said. "There is no evidence to support a causal link between Accutane and depression."

Meissher agreed that the relationship "can only be proven statistically. That link will never be hard or fast with this or any other drug."

Interim Director of University Health Services Robert Winfield said that UHS prescribes the drug to students but is also aware of the controversy surrounding the drug.

"(The reports have) been known for quite awhile and we're all aware of it," Winfield said. "Undoubtedly, this kind of thing happens in the population, though the occurrence is low."

Pharmacists at both Decker Drugs and Village Apothecary said there are only about 10 customers in each store who place orders for Accutane on a regular basis.

"Doctor's aren't ordering it. It's reserved for very difficult cases of acne," Village Apothecary pharmacist Gary Turner said.

Besides adding warning labels to Accutane, Roche has agreed to further investigate scientific studies on the psychiatric issues surrounding the drug.

"We will investigate through scientific research," Zirkus said. "We don't know the nature of the scientific research yet."

Despite this, Bart Stupak is still conducting a nationwide campaign to educate the public on reports that indicate a link between Accutane and depression.

"He is really considering his options as we open a new session of Congress," said Bob Meissher, Stupak's press secretary. "He does sit on the Commerce Committee and the Commerce Committee does oversee the FDA."

DAVID KATZ/Daily

Accutane, a medication prescribed for severe cases of acne, has caused controversy with consumer complaints that the drug is linked to suicide and suicidal tendencies.