Accutane Case
Originally created for the treatment of severe acne, the drug Accutane has since been found to cause birth defects, Crohn's disease, suicide and various other harmful side effects. Accutane was taken off the market by manufacturer Roche Pharmaceuticals in 2009 after published studies alleged the drug was tied to several incurable diseases. Reports estimate that approximately 13 million people were treated with the drug between the early 1980's and 2009.
About Accutane
Known also as Isotretinoin, Accutane is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to treat serious forms of acne, such as cystic and nodular acne. Originally created as a chemotherapy drug in the 1970’s, Accutane later became a “miracle drug” for the treatment of severe, seemingly incurable acne. For this purpose, Accutane became wildly popular and made roughly $700 million annually during the height of popularity. Following medical findings and consumer reports of serious health risks associated with Accutane, the drug was removed from the market in 2009, though generic forms of the medication are still available.
Side Effects of Accutane
The FDA began receiving reports of birth defects and suicidal thoughts as a result of the drug as far back as the 1980’s when the drug was first sold. Because of these risks, the FDA issued a black box warning detailing the extreme risk of birth defects and even fetal death for pregnant women taking Accutane. In fact, one study reported by the FDA showed that as many as 42% of all pregnant women who took Accutane had children who suffered birth defects.
A decade later, a large number of consumers reported inflammatory bowel disease, along with other serious health risks. Following these medical findings and the costly litigation aimed at Accutane manufacturer, Roche Pharmaceuticals, the drug was pulled from distribution.
Serious health risks and side effects of Accutane include:
Birth Defects
- Heart problems
- Cleft palate
- Vision impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Mental problems
- Facial dysmorphia
- Premature birth
- Fetal death
Gastrointestinal Issues
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rectal bleeding
- Colon cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Proctitis
- Ulcerative colitis
Mental Problems
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
Other Serious Disorders
- Pseudotumor cerebri (buildup of pressure in the skull in a way that mimics a brain tumor)
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatitis
- Elevated Cholesterol
- Bone loss and fractures
- Lupus
- Liver Damage
Seek Compensation for Your Damages
If you suffered any of the above side effects after taking Accutane, you may be able to seek reparation for the damages the drug caused you. Dangerous drug manufacturers like Roche Pharmaceuticals should be held responsible for failing to provide proper warnings, and for creating and selling an unreasonably dangerous drug.
To date, Roche Pharmaceuticals has paid out millions of dollars to approximately 7,000 deserving consumers who suffered unfairly after taking Accutane. Exercise your rights and seek compensation for your injuries, today.
Contact George & Farinas, LLP to discuss your dangerous drug case with our attorneys. Our Indiana dangerous drug lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you need.