Hoffman La Roche developed Accutane (also known by it's chemical name isotretinoin) as an oral drug specifically designed to combat severe nodular acne. Nodular acne is a particularly strong form of acne that can lead to lesions and permanent scarring and does not respond to traditional acne medication. Since the early 1980's, Accutane has been considered a breakthrough drug that could permanently clear severe acne. However, since its approval, Accutane's growing list of side effects has come under close scrutiny by the FDA.
Accutane is a synthetic form of vitamin A, which can be very beneficial in measured doses. Accutane is designed to literally "dry up" oils (sebum) that clog pores, leading to infection and acne.
Unfortunately, while Accutane is effective at treating acne, it has been linked to multiple dangerous side effects, some life-threatening. Because of these side effects, in 2004 an FDA advisory panel recommended that every patient given the acne drug Accutane be enrolled in a national registry. The registry system would mandate that women cannot get their monthly supply of Accutane without a negative pregnancy test and that they be told to use two forms of contraception while taking the drug.
The panel also recommended that every health worker who prescribes Accutane and every drugstore that dispenses it must be registered and that drugstores must double check that women are properly cleared before handing over the pills.
If you or a loved one have taken Accutane and have experienced any side effects including birth injuries, miscarriages, depression or even suicidal behavior, contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 and see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
