Accutane

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Accutane Lawsuit 2010

Accutane is a prescription drug that was created by manufacturer Hoffman-LaRoche. This drug, which is a synthetic form of vitamin A, is used to treat severe acne. Accutane’s manufacturer is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Accutane alone brought the LaRoche Group $1.2 billion.

How Does Accutane Work?

Accutane’s generic name is Isotretinoin. Other prescription forms of Isotretinoin include Istane, Raccutane, Amnesteem, Ratane, Stotret, Decutan, and Claravis. When Accutane was first manufactured, it was only meant to be prescribed to patients with extremely severe acne. However, dermatologists soon began prescribing it to patients with cases so mild that the drug’s risks began outweighing its benefits. Because Accutane inhibits the reproduction and growth of oil glands and cells, it clears up nearly all cases of acne quite quickly. This drug can also deplete the body of water molecules that keep the joints, eyes, and skin lubricated.

Possible Side Effects of Accutane

Although Accutane effectively treats acne, it can also cause many severe side effects such as bone loss, stroke, heart attack, liver damage, seizures, inflammatory bowel disease, decreased white blood cells, and allergic vasculitis. Accutane may also cause eye problems such as pink eye, dry eye, and severe visual impairment. This drug sometimes causes Alopecia, depression, suicidal behavior, miscarriages, and birth defects. The frequency of these side effects forced many to file lawsuits against Hoffman La Roche and other medical professionals.

FDA Reaction

There have been several times when the courts have ruled in favor of Hoffma-LaRoche because the FDA has required that all Accutane side effects be clearly listed in a black box warning. Because of the company’s diligence in warning consumers about risks, the appeals court of New Jersey ruled in favor of Hoffman La Roche during cases involving birth defects. Also, there was a case involving a man named Adam Mason. After taking Accutane, Mason developed inflammatory bowel disease and, eventually, had to have part of his colon removed. However, Mason was not able to prove that the warning label was deceptive. Therefore, the Federal courts ruled in favor of Hoffman La Roche.

Taking Accutane While Pregnant

Before taking Accutane, women should meet the FDA’s iPLEDGE requirements. This will insure that they are informed about the dangers of taking this drug while they are pregnant. Accutane may cause birth defects and even miscarriage. Medical doctors and pharmacists should warn the women that this drug must not be taken during pregnancy. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Accutane, she should know to discontinue use immediately and to contact a professional who knows how to deal with reproductive toxicity. If the woman was not fully informed about the risks of taking Accutane while being pregnant, she may have a legitimate claim against Hoffman La Roche and/or her medical provider.

Legal Responsibility When Dealing With Accutane

If health care providers do not properly inform their patients about all the risks and side effects of Accutane, they can be held responsible and legal action can be taken. Providers can be considered negligent if they have not bothered to take the time to properly explain the risks before prescribing this drug.

Those who are the most successful in court rulings are consumers who took the drug before its manufacturer issued warnings about the possible risks. Three people were awarded, by the New Jersey Superior Court, several million dollars when they claimed that they developed inflammatory bowel disease after taking Accutane. Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, is very painful and can greatly disrupt the person’s life.

Hoffman La Roche stopped manufacturing Accutane prior to 2010. Since the drug was introduced in 1982, it had treated more than 13 million people.

Those who have been affected by Accutane’s side effects should fill out a case evaluation form. Attorneys can help answer any legal questions and can also help individuals receive deserved compensation.