Accutane

ACCUTANE: ACNE MEDICATION LINKED TO BOWEL DISEASE, SUICIDE & DEPRESSION

Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a medication used most commonly to treat acne. Manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals, the drug received FDA approval in 1982, but since then numerous warnings have been released regarding serious side effects that can result from taking Accutane. The drug and its manufacturers have been continually under fire for causing side effects including bowel diseases, suicide, depression, birth defects, and other conditions. Roche Pharmaceuticals pulled Accutane from the market in 2009, thought generic and alternative forms of the drug remain available. If you or a loved one has been affected by one of Accutane’s side effects in California, please call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak with one of the personal injury attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP for free.

Accutane Side Effects and Risks: Accutane ranks among the three medications available to consumers with the most reported side effects. Following please find a list of side effects associated with the taking of Accutane (Isotretinoin):

  • Birth Defects (Teratogenicity)
  • Colon Cancer
  • Crohn’s Disease *
  • Depression
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Ileitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) *
  • Liver Damage
  • Lupus
  • Pancreatitis
  • Proctitis *
  • Psychiatric Disorders (including Propensity for Violence)
  • Suicide/Suicidal Thoughts
  • Ulcerative Colitis *

(* Type of Bowel Disease)

Accutane Description, Purpose & Use:

The medication Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a classified as retinoid and is made from a synthetic form of Vitamin A. Accutane was first created as a medication for fighting brain and pancreatic cancer. After it was found to combat acne, it was used to treat acne of all types from mild to severe, particularly a form called recalcitrant nodular acne. Accutane is generically known as Isoretinoin, but has also been marketed as Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret.

As a chemotherapy drug, Accutane was used to attack rapidly dividing cells. Accutane works in treating acne by drying out oil and other pore clogging elements, as well as reducing skin gland size and preventing future outbreaks. Accutane is also used to treat Harlequin-Type ichthyosis, a potentially fatal skin disease.

Accutane is taken orally in pill form and is usually prescribed in 0.5 to 1.0mg/kg twice daily dosages.

It is estimated that around 13 million have taken Accutane for acne.

Accutane Injury History, Warnings & Lawsuits:

Accutane was first approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and released in 1982. Within 12 months, there were numerous reports of women who were taking Accutane having children that were born with serious birth defects including deformities. In 1983, the FDA required Roche, the maker of Accutane, to increase warnings including a black box warning, regarding the acne medication and birth defects. From 1982-1985, more side effects were reported among Accutane takers including depression and suicide. Accutane side effects related to bowel and intestinal problems and disease appeared even later. In 2005 the FDA required warnings regarding psychiatric problems including depression on Accutane products.

Roche pulled Accutane from the market last June, citing the large number of lawsuits for adverse side effects as a major factor in their decision. Accutane’s annual sales were estimated to be approximately $1.2 billion.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Roche, the makers of Accutane, by those who have been harmed while taking the drug. Here is a brief summary of lawsuits and awards:

  • May, 2007: $2.5 million to a man suffering from gastrointestinal problems after taking Accutane.
  • October, 2007: $7 million to a man whose colon was removed after taking Accutane. (Roche’s 2008 appeal has been upheld.)
  • April, 2008: $10 million to a woman who had a partial removal of her intestines as a result of taking Accutane.
  • Multiple other lawsuits against Roche are active and pending, including those filed by families whose loved ones committed suicide while taking Accutane.

Accutane Acne Drug - What to do if you’ve been affected:

If you believe that you or someone close to you has been adversely affected from taking Accutane in California, please seek the assistance of an seasoned personal injury Law Team now. The Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP has more than 50 years combined legal experience. Our expertise in pharmaceutical law and other areas has allowed us to collect more than $150 million for clients. Let us help you in your time of need. Call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation, and visit our website at www.alawpro.com to learn more about us. We are here to fight for you.