REAL-TIME STUDY: Dermatologist Dr Simon Tucker in his office at Omega Health in Manunda. PICTURE: MARC MCCORMACK Source: News Corp Australia
A CAIRNS dermatologist has teamed up with university researchers to study a possible link between depression and a common acne drug.
Dr Simon Tucker, from Cairns Skin Centre, said the study could significantly impact the treatment of thousands of patients, particularly teenagers.
“Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) is an incredibly effective treatment for severe acne with an almost 100 per cent response rate, but has controversially been linked with serious depression as a side-effect,” Dr Tucker said.
“There is still much debate in the medical arena, online and in the broader global community, over whether this is an actual side-effect of the drug, or merely a coincidence.”
Dr Tucker said it was possibly the first study of its kind.
“This study makes predictions that are tested in real time. We’ll be working with around 30 patients, giving them either Roaccutane or an alternative acne tablet for two weeks and assessing their mood levels,” he said.