With the extensive history injuries caused by Accutane, it is no surprise that it was pulled from the drug markets of the United States and 11 other countries in 2009 by its creators, Hoffman Laroche Pharmaceuticals, although the perilous side effects of the drug were not listed among the reasons for the withdrawal. This withdrawal was prompted by a lawsuit successfully filed against the pharmaceutical giant and many more individual lawsuits have followed but no class action has yet been taken.

Popular since the 1980s upon its first introduction, Accutane, generic name isotretinoin, was initially heralded by many as a veritable miracle cure for severe acne sufferers until the long-term side effects such as suicide, inflammatory bowel disease and birth defects became apparent. The United States Food and Drug Administration as well as Hoffman Laroche Pharmaceuticals have come under fire by numerous consumer advocates for not adequately warning and protecting vulnerable patients of the dangerous side effects of the drug.

Over the 25-plus years of Accutane sales in the United States more than 10 million patients received and used Accutane prescriptions and the drug continues to be prescribed in Canada and other areas of the world. Additionally, generic versions of Accutane are still available in the United States despite the dangers of long-term side effects.

Accutane, and its main ingredient isotretinoin, can cause allergic reactions resulting in liver disease and liver damage and produce symptoms such as jaundice, extreme weight loss, appetite loss and nausea. Accutane also wreaks havoc on the autoimmune and lower digestive systems causing permanent conditions such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease. These diseases must be managed for life with additional medication and food restrictions and can be life-threatening. Accutane users are more likely to have babies with birth defects and battle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts that can lead to actual suicide. None of these illnesses are a fair price to pay for the use of prescription medication for severe acne.

Serious acne is an inflammatory condition that is physically uncomfortable and socially disruptive and no one afflicted with this skin condition can be blamed for turning to drugs for aid. People who have taken Accutane for their condition and sustained dangerous side effects as a result deserve to be compensated for their suffering by those who are responsible.

If you are one of the thousands of people harmed by prescription Accutane side effects then you may have some legal options to receive compensation for the expenses related to your medical treatment, physical pain and emotional suffering. For help, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer familiar way as medical malpractice and a long term effects of Accutane to find out more about your options.