Warning: This story discusses suicide.
There are concerns about an acne drug commonly used in New Zealand after ten suicide deaths in the United Kingdom this year by people using it.
Isotretinoin, brand name Roaccutane, is a powerful drug prescribed for acne.
But a series of suicides has prompted the UK's medicine regulator to reopen an inquiry.
Earlier this year, Channel 4 spoke to the parents of 15-year-old Annabel Wright, who blamed the drug for her death.
"We were told to look out for low mood and depression and because of Annabel's upbeat and sunny nature, we were sure we would have spotted the signs if her mood had taken a turn for the worst and it never did," mother Helen Wright said.
"We were never told that these random suicide impulses can come out of the blue and be overwhelming."
There's never been any conclusive evidence that the drug is linked to suicide.
According to Ministry of Health data, more than 17,000 Kiwis were prescribed isotretinoin last year. The acne medicine is currently available here under the brand names Oratane and Isotane.
Oratane manufacturer, Douglas Pharmaceuticals, told Newshub in a statement: "Although a relationship between isotretinoin and mental illness has not been established, care needs to be taken in patients with a history of depression and all patients should be monitored."
"For the majority of patients with severe acne the benefits of effective treatment with isotretinoin outweigh any potential adverse side effects."
Medsafe says it will watch the UK review with interest.
Anyone with concerns should contact their GP, and any problems should be reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
