Tragic Angela Lee, 28, threw herself under a train after the drug allegedly triggered depression, a lawyer representing her family said.
Thousands of Brits use Roaccutane to combat their acne. The treatment has been linked to a series of UK suicides, although trials have declared it safe.
Unemployed Angela, from Ilford, East London, was prescribed Roaccutane last year and took the pills for three months.
Relatives yesterday told the inquest at Walthamstow that her acne improved but she felt "prematurely aged". Angela - who also suffered chronic fatigue syndrome - developed depression and killed herself last October.
Her family claim her depression deepened during and after the course of Roaccutane. Lawyer Ross Brain said: "There is clear evidence of some users of this drug experiencing acute depression and suicidal tendencies."
Angela's dermatologist Dr Sunil Chopra told the inquest it was unlikely the drug caused her suicide. Roaccutane maker Roche says acne itself can trigger depression by harming self-esteem.
After the hearing Mr Brain said: "In her suicide note Angela spoke about how Roaccutane had aged her body, how she would never get better, how there was no way out."
No comments:
Post a Comment