A DRUG manufacturer has released a statement after the parents of youngster Luke Reeves linked his death to the product Roaccutane.

Luke Reeves committed suicide aged 21 and his parents Robert and Becky said his character changed after he took the prescribed acne drug Roaccutane.

They said he became irrational, lethargic and finally suicidal.

They believe the change in his personality was down to the enduring side effects of the drug which he took when he was 16.

Mr and Mrs Reeves, of Coppingford End, Copford, joined others who have expressed concerns about the side effects of the drug which lead to an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

However, drug manufacturer Roche has released a statement in which it denies Roaccutane can be linked to suicide.

Dr Rav Seeruthun, medical director at Roche said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about Luke and offer our sympathies to his family during what must be an incredibly difficult time.

"We recognise severe acne can lead to changes in mood, self-esteem and in some sufferers lead to depression.

"This is why the information provided with isotretinoin carries a warning some patients may experience mood changes, including an increase in depression.

"And whilst authors recognised several limitations in their research, a retrospective study published in the BMJ in 2010 didn't establish a link between isotretinoin and an observed increased risk of suicide.

"Additionally, the MHRA concluded in 2014, that whilst a causal link cannot be ruled out, it was not possible to identify a clear increase in risk of psychiatric disorders in people who take isotretinoin compared to those who do not."

The statement continued to address that information that comes with the tablets explains the risks and informs patients to speak to their doctors if they do feel depressed.

It said: "The patient information leaflet, which is inside every pack of isotretinoin tablets, also tells patients that - before they start taking the medicine - they must tell their doctor if they are depressed, or if they have felt this way in the past.

"If anyone believes they have suffered a side effect to any Roche medicine they should report it to us directly or to the MHRA via its yellow card system.

"Particular care needs to be taken in patients with a history of depression and all patients should be monitored for signs of depression and referred for appropriate treatment if necessary.

"However, discontinuation of isotretinoin may be insufficient to alleviate symptoms and therefore further psychiatric or psychological evaluation may be necessary.

"Isotretinoin is a prescription only medicine and therefore can only be safely used under the care and supervision of suitably qualified healthcare professionals.

"This way, specialists with the most experience can advise patients about the important safety issues associated with isotretinoin."

Luke underwent a four month course of Roaccutane when he was 16 to clear his acne.

The drug carries warnings of side effects including depression and mood changes.

Mr and Mrs Reeves said Luke became irrational, obsessive and compulsive and lost his ability to reason.

Luke first attempted suicide last summer and again in October. He was in the intensive care unit for nine days before being transferred temporarily to the Lakes mental health unit in Colchester.

Luke took his life last month. His inquest opened and adjourned yesterday.