THE parents of a ‘normal, happy teenager’ who took her own life say they were ‘let down’ by the authorities as they believe a prescribed acne drug was responsible for her death.

Annabel Wright, 15, was found in her bedroom by family members at her home near Ripon, in May 2019 after being prescribed the anti-acne drug Isotretinoin six months earlier.

Read more: Inquest held after parents of teen, 15, claim death was linked to acne medication

Some studies have linked the drug to an increased risk of suicide and Annabel’s parents Helen and Simon firmly believe that it was responsible for their daughter’s death.

Assistant Coroner Jonathan Leach delivered a conclusion of suicide on the third day of the inquest into Annabel’s death at Northallerton Coroner’s Court today (Wednesday, December 8).

He said the evidence from experts on a potential link between Isotretinoin and self-harm and suicide was that there was “no settled and agreed view”.

Mr Leach added that he was satisfied that Annabel and her parents were properly advised of any risks of Isotretinoin and that the decision by clinicians at Harrogate Hospital to prescribe it was reasonable, with the formal consent process followed.

He said: “There is no evidence the balance of Annabel’s mind was disturbed and the fact she took her own life does not in itself mean the balance of her mind was disturbed and, if it was, there is no evidence that this was caused or contributed to by Isotretinoin."

But speaking outside the court, Helen read a statement on behalf of the family which made clear how strongly they feel that the drug was responsible for Annabel’s suicide.

They also believe that the youngster should never have been prescribed it in the first place because her acne wasn’t particularly severe.

Helen said: “The evidence provided during this inquest has shown that our normal, happy, well-adjusted child took her own life, suddenly, without warning and without any mitigating circumstances other than she was taking a drug which can cause suicide.

“Despite this, the coroner has not seen fit to implicate this drug in her death.

“We are disappointed but sadly not surprised by the verdict delivered here today.

“Annabel was let down by Harrogate Hospital when they prescribed her a drug she did not need even though it could cause her suicide.

Read more: Grieving parents believe acne drug 'undoubtedly' led to their daughter taking her own life

“She has been let down in life and she has been let down in death by the authorities steadfast refusal to recognise the role Isotretinoin played in her death.

“But we, her family, friends and the people who knew her know the real truth and this will not be changed by the opinions of those who never met her, yet had the power to stand in judgement over her.”

At the inquest’s conclusion today, assistant coroner Jonathan Leach said it was ‘not appropriate’ for him to compile a PFD report – prevention of future deaths – into Annabel’s death.

PFD reports can be made by coroners to address concerns arising from inquests and often provide powerful leverage for change.

The Northern Echo:

Annabel Wright was just 15 when she died

On the request of the family’s solicitor Rory Badenoch, Mr Leach said he would consider whether to write a letter to relevant health authorities to warn that Isotretinoin could be linked to ‘idiosyncratic suicides’ in which there are no warning signs or mental illness before a patient takes their own life.

Mr Badenoch said this information should be provided in addition to the warning of an increased risk of self-harm and suicide already included in the information leaflet supplied with the drug.

Speaking outside court, Helen said that the coroner’s failure to make a PFD report implicating the role of Isotretinoin in Annabel’s death was ‘a valuable opportunity missed’.

Read more: Parents of 'brightest and happiest' girl believe acne drug led to her taking her own life

She added: “We know that we will never get justice for our child but we tried our best to get recognition for the role Isotretinoin played in Annabel’s death.

“In the face of wilful ignorance by those who refuse to listen, we could do no more.

“In view of this, we, as bereaved parents, would like to take this opportunity to warn others of the dangers of Isotretinoin, because often they will not hear about the true side effects, including sudden suicidal impulses from those who glibly prescribe it.

“We hope others will take heed from this tragedy and refuse to allow their children to take this toxic drug.”

  • Anyone who is struggling in life can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org​

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