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Accutane Class Action Lawsuit

Accutane is a medication used to remedy severe acne. According to many dermatologists, it is the strongest and most effective drug, but it is associated with a dangerous list of side effects that have many former Accutane users filing lawsuits.

Minor Side Effects

As with many medications, Accutane has side effects that are minor. These include headaches, dry skin and eyes, nosebleeds, and temporarily thinning hair. However, many much more serious risks associated with Accutane are frequently present.

Severe Accutane Side Effects

The more severe complications can jeopardize the health and life of the Accutane user. Clinical hepatitis and liver damage were reported, as well as inflammatory bowel disease, rectal bleeding, ulcerative colitis, and Chrohn’s Disease. Accutane has also been accused of contributing to bone damage, however manufacturer Hoffman-LaRoche has disputed this. There is allegedly a decrease in bone density and increase of bone fractures. Because of the bone and surrounding muscle weakness and the rapid onset of osteoporosis, the healing process is extremely slow. The senses are affected by causing permanent or temporary hearing loss and decreased vision at night. A smaller number of users developed high cholesterol and had severe allergic reactions.

Accutane and Birth Defects

Often times, the Accutane user was not the only one at risk. The possibility of birth defects, premature births, miscarriages, and still born babies rises dramatically when the mother consumed the drug while pregnant. The extremely high risk prompted the Accutane label to include a warning that read, “Accutane must not be used by female patients who are or may become pregnant.” After this inclusion, lawsuits began spiking up across the nation. The manufacturers were questioned as to whether they had prior knowledge of these risks without warning the public.

Accutane Psychological Side Effects

There also appears to be a strong link between Accutane users and mental health problems. The most serious is the increase in depression and suicide among Accutane users. This problem was taken public when Michigan Congressman Bart Stupak’s son committed suicide while on the drug. Although the manufacturer denies any correlation between suicide and Accutane, several lawsuits have been filed against them for such reason. However, a French version of the FDA demands that warnings of suicide and depression must be printed on the bottle because of the strong risk long before the manufacturers would admit it.

Ironically, the manufacture marketed Accutane by saying that it reduced depression and negative thoughts. Their theory was that acne causes poor self-esteem. Ridding oneself of acne increases their self-esteem and thus, their happiness as a whole. This marketing technique continued to be used until May 2000 when the FDA finally forced the label to add the suicidal risk.

Accutane Lawsuits

There are currently more than 1,000 pending lawsuits awaiting trial against Roche and the medical professionals who have prescribed and promoted the use of Accutane. Only seven cases have been settled against Accutane thus far, but more than $56 million has been rewarded to users who have experienced serious gastrointestinal side effects as a result of taking Accutane to treat their severe acne. Most prominently, an Alabama man was initially awarded more than $2 million by a New Jersey court after he had part of his colon removed after using Accutane. He appealed the amount awarded and later received more than $25 million for his damages.

Anyone who has a loved one who has died as a result of the side effects of using Accutane may be able to file a claim against the drug’s manufacturer and medical professionals who have distributed and recommended the drug. Discussing the situation with an experienced lawyer will be able to quickly and effectively pursue the case, but a few pieces of information are necessary for success. The individual will need to know when, what dosage, and how long their loved one was on Accutane. They will also need to know what type of injury was suffered and when it took place. Finally, it is necessary for the case to progress to know whether the injured party sought any kind of medical or psychological help. The more information the lawyer has, the more likely a solid case can be formed.