Accutane Implicated in Pennsylvania Murder

September 2007

A case involving the tragic death of a Pennsylvania teen might have a unique defense when the suspect goes to trial – his murderous behavior may have been brought on by his acne medication. Accutane, the dangerous acne drug known for its powerful side effects, has been implicated as a potential cause of the murder of a Monroeville, PA girl and the subsequent attempted suicide by her 18-year-old Allegheny County boyfriend.

The defense representing the man suspecting in killing the Pittsburgh-area teen have not officially confirmed that Accutane will play a part in their argument. But they have publicly announced that the evidence will reveal the suspect was taking the drug at the time of the murder and his attempted suicide that followed.

Studies have found that patients taking Accutane are one and a half times more likely to suffer from depression than non-Accutane users. Side effects of the drug may include depression, psychosis, suicide, and damage to internal organs. Accutane has also been implicated as cause of mental birth defects, prompting the Food and Drug Administration to create the iPLEDGE program for female users.