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Accutane Lawsuit Commercial

Drug manufacturer Hoffman-LaRoche created and marketed Accutane as a means of treating severe acne. The LaRoche Group is among the major American pharmaceutical manufacturers, reporting sales of Accutane as high as $1.2 billion dollars per year. Accutane was created to effectively lessen intense symptoms of acne, and is comprised of an artificial form of Vitamin A.

Information About Accutane

Although Accutane was initially intended for use in treating intense acne, it was commonly prescribed by many dermatologists for milder cases which should never have received the drug. This is because the list of side effects was greater than the advantages of taking the drug for less severe acne. Through preventing cellular reproduction and growth, along with inhibiting the oil glands, Accutane clears up the majority of user's acne condition in several months. Unfortunately, among its dangerous side effects is the depletion of the organism's necessary molecules containing water to help keep the joints, scalp, eyes, and skin properly lubricated. Besides its stand alone prescription, Accutane appears in a variety of other prescriptions as generic Isotrentinoin, Raccutane, Ratane, Sotret, Istane, Decutan, Claravis, and Amnesteem.

Unwanted Side Effects

Accutane does remedy severe acne conditions but it can cause severe side effects like allergic vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, lower white blood cell counts, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, bone loss, aggressive behavior, erectile dysfunction, anaphylaxis, liver damage, psychosis, ear ringing, vision troubles, eye dryness, pink eye, dry-mucus membranes, joint pain, back pain, miscarriages, birth defects, suicidal proclivities, depression, Alopecia, and weakened skin. Because of these potentially life-threatening side effects, a great deal of controversy exists concerning Accutane, which has led to numerous lawsuits filed against both Hoffman-LaRoche and doctors.

FDA Response

A black box warning was placed on Accutane containers per the FDA, warning of the risks in taking the medication. Because of this, a New Jersey court of appeals has not found Hoffman-LaRoche complicit in birth defects resulting from taking the product, since the firm was upfront in warning doctors and patients of the dangers in taking Accutane. However, patients who were subscribed Accutane prior to the black box warning or without proper knowledge pertaining to the dangers have been successful in the legal pursuit of just compensation.

Pregnancy and Accutane

Women who have been prescribed Accutane were required to sign the iPLEDGE rule, as required by the FDA. This ensured that they were aware of the potential side effects like severe birth defects and miscarriage before they were allowed to purchase it. Females who did become pregnant while on Accutane should have been warned to discontinue use and communicate with a reproductive toxicity doctor. Any women who did not receive this mandatory warning have legitimate complaints against Hoffman-LaRoche or their doctor who actually prescribed the Accutane.

Legal Options

Doctors can be held liable for not telling their patients about the potential harmful side effects with Accutane. Doctors are responsible for ensuring that patients are familiar with all side effects before prescribing medications, otherwise such doctors are practicing negligently.

Individuals given Accutane in the years preceding Hoffman-LaRoche's warning about the severe, widespread risks with Accutane are typically successful in lawsuits. Three people were awarded several million dollars by the New Jersey Superior court claiming that Accutane created their inflammatory bowel disease, which can lead to Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease, severely impacting health and decent living.

Hoffman-LaRoche discontinued Accutane in 2009, claiming the decreasing market for acne medicines resulted from the increase of generic brands. The medicine launched in 1982 has been used by more than 13 million people.

If you or a family member has suffered from severe health complications or side effects because of Accutane, fill in a case evaluation form. Our expert lawyers have significant experience in prescription medicine related complications. They will not just provide you with the legal advice that you are seeking, they will assist you in receiving the recompense that you deserve.