Another side effect that Accutane use has been associated with is pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension or "false tumor"), a disease of the central nervous system. It is called "false tumor" because its symptoms closely resemble the symptoms caused by tumors. This condition is caused by increased pressure due to an excess of cerebrospinal fluid.
The symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri include headache, nausea, vomiting, pulsating intracranial (inside the head) noises and visual disturbances. According to the FDA, "most patients with pseudotumor cerebri experience headaches. There may also be a ringing or a 'whooshing' sound in the ear."
Those with pseudotumor cerebri may experience momentary losses of vision known as "transient obscuration of vision". Other vision related problems include double or blurred vision, a central blind spot or the loss of peripheral vision in either or both eyes. The visual loss may be mild to severe. If severe and untreated, pseudotumor cerebri can result in blindness.
The risks associated with taking Accutane are so great that the FDA has taken the remarkable step of requiring each dose of Accutane to come with a Medguide listing these side effects (the only other drugs to ever require a Medguide are Thalidomide and Mifeprex [mifepristone]). The following is a quote directly from the FDA Medguide:
"[Accutane can cause] serious problems. Accutane can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sight or, in rare cases, death. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you get any of these signs of increased pressure: bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Also, some patients taking Accutane have had seizures (convulsions) or strokes."
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.
