South African dermatologists say the acne drug Roaccutane is safe as long as it is administered correctly.

The medication is no longer available in pharmacies in the US after being found to cause bowel disorders, birth defects and possibly an increase in the risk of depression and suicidal behaviour.

It was reported drugs manufacturer Roche withdrew the medication only because competition from generic brands meant it was no longer commercially viable.

One local woman said she experienced some of the hazardous side-effects.

“The effects only lasted for three years the first time and since that not only have I developed stomach ulcers. I have had two major episodes of depression and that is another side effect,” she said.

Two Johannesburg doctors believe the drug is safe as long as the patient is not pregnant.

“If a pregnant woman should take the drug, the developing foetus is malformed. It is safe for women who are not pregnant and it is safe in men,” one doctor explained.

“It must be used by people who know what to expect,” the other said.