For Your FREE Consultation CALL NOW: 1-888-808-5977

Accutane Legal Options

Accutane, a medication designed to treat severe acne, was leading pharmaceutical company Hoffman-LaRoche as a specialized form of Vitamin A that heals serious nodular acne. It was designed for the most stubborn kinds of acne resistant to other treatments and medicines. Accutane was one of Hoffman-LaRoche’s most successful medications, bringing in $1.2 billion in sales annually.

About Accutane

Accutane can also be found in prescription form under names like Amnesteem, Decutan, Ratane, and the generic form Isotretinoin. Intended to treat only the most severe cases of acne, Accutane works by reducing the amount of oil given off by the oil glands, and helps the skin replenish itself more rapidly. However, many dermatologists have prescribed the medication for even mild forms of acne, despite the known risks. While the medication reduces the acne-causing oils released, it also drains the body of the molecules that retain water, depleting the body of essential lubrication.

Risks Associated with Accutane

Because of the lack of molecules that retain water, side effects include cracked or scaly skin, sudden numbness, blurred vision, dry eyes, severe pain in the stomach or back, fever, chills, bone loss, stroke, heart attack, and much more. With these side effects, a great deal of controversy has arisen over the medication, and Hoffman-LaRoche and several prescribing doctors now face lawsuits.

Accutane and the FDA

Due to the severity of Accutane’s side effects, the FDA has required a black box warning be placed on all packaging of Accutane, warning consumers of the risks and potential side effects of the drug. Because of the black box warning alerting users, some courts have held Hoffman-LaRoche not accountable for serious effects users have experienced, such as birth defects or inflammatory disease.

Pregnancy and Accutane

Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, women who take Accutane can only do so after completing iPledge, a document that states that the user understands the risks and will use birth control while taking Accutane. If a woman was not warned of Accutane’s risk towards pregnancy, she would have a legitimate case against Hoffman-LaRoche or the dermatologist who prescribed her the medication without giving the appropriate information.

Legal Accountability

It is the responsibility of health care professionals to notify patients of all side effects of a medication prior to prescribing a drug, to protect their patients’ well-being. Patients prescribed Accutane before Hoffman-LaRoche made public the potential side effects have a good chance of success in a lawsuit. Previous courts have awarded millions in case winnings to patients.

In September of 2009, Hoffman-LaRoche discontinued Accutane due to competition from the generic market. Since its launch in 1982, Accutane has been used to treat over 13 million patients.

If you or someone you care about has experienced any adverse effects or medical complications while taking Accutane, fill out a case form. Our experienced team of attorneys has the knowledge necessary to succeed, with experience in prescription medication lawsuits. With their help, you can get the compensation you deserve to help improve your quality of life.