CHICAGO -- Accutane is a popular but controversial drug. Millions have used it to clear up acne with few serious side effects. But for some, they say it has ruined their lives.

In previous on-air and online versions of this story, NBC5 reported Accutane carried a black-box warning about depression or suicide. In fact, the only black-box warnings on the drug label relate to pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. Roche said packaging and physician information have contained information about mood changes and depression since 1985.

NBC5 reporter Rob Stafford has the story of a former Chicago Bulls cheerleader who is taking on the company that makes the drug.

Kim Smith said Accutane got rid of her pimples in a matter of months. But she also claims it left her in a dark depression that persisted for years. And she describes herself as one of the lucky ones.

"It got to a point where I just really prayed to die," she said.

Smith said she was living a dream after becoming a Luvabull in 1987. Since childhood, dance was her passion. She was a cheerleader in high school.

"It was total pure energy and adrenaline," she said.

With a graduate degree from Northwestern, Smith later worked as the marketing director of a law firm. Life couldn't have been better, she said, until she saw a dermatologist for a case of acne.

"It cleared up my acne but the price that I paid for clear skin just isn't worth it," she said.

The doctor prescribed Accutane. Within six months of a daily dose, Smith said her life took a plunge.

"It was the darkest place I've ever been. A place of complete despair and hopelessness," she said.

In the years that followed, Smith said depression crushed her career and relationships. Now she is suing the maker of Accutane with the help of attorney Mike Baird.

"There are over 200 verified instances where patients taking Accutane have committed suicide," he said.

If the case goes to trial, Baird plans to call a research scientist and a pharmaceutical expert who will testify they believe Accutane can cause depression. But the manufacturer maintains numerous studies show no cause-and-effect relationship.

Drugmaker Roche told NBC5 it cannot comment on specific cases. But a spokesman said the drug has been used by millions and is safe and effective. Back in 1998, the federal government told Roche to warn doctors of possible side effects.

But Smith said she was never warned.

As she prepares to take her case to court, the former cheerleader said she's grateful to be here the fight.

"I do thank God everyday that I am alive," she said. "At least I have a chance to rebuild my life when others don't."

A number of other patients and critics have testified before Congress about the dangers of Accutane. And one congressman has blamed his son's suicide on the drug. But Smith's lawyer said no one has been able to prove in court a direct link between the drug and depression. He hopes to be the first.