A drug for the skin problem acne is being made more widely available, despite links to increased suicidal thoughts.
Isotretinoin is a last line treatment for severe acne and Pharmac has decided to open up access to the treatment through GPs.
Until now it has only been available through specialist dermatologists.
Pharmac medical director Peter Moodie admits there are safety issues and says it's a particularly potent drug. He says with greater access, the chances of more people suffering side effects will naturally increase.
The drug should not be taken by women who might become pregnant because it has been linked to birth defects.
Moodie is confident GPs will keep a close watch on who is being prescribed the drug and will adequately manage the risks associated with it.
