This website was created to assist you in finding information about Accutane. Class action cases have been made against manufacturers of Accutane. If you are trying to find more information about how to choose an Accutane lawyer we can help you there as well. There are a lot of things you might not understand about Lawsuits. Accutane is a product that has helped many people. It has also hurt some people. If you or a loved one have been injured you might need to have an attorney assist you with a possible lawsuit. Accutane information is included throughout this site to aid you in your decision.
What is Accutane?
Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is used in the treatment of acne
with treatment lasting approximately five months. Accutane is a retinoid
related to Vitamin A. and is widely used in the treatment of severe
nodular acne, primarily in adolescents.
Hoffman-LaRoche, the maker of Accutane, was required to notify doctors that the drug may cause depression and/or psychosis up to and in some cases including suicide. They did this after the FDA notified doctors that they should watch their patients for these side effects in 1998.
The potential danger of Accutane became highly publicized when Republican Congressman Bart Stupak’s 17-year-old son committed suicide. Bart Stupak Jr., aka B.J., shot himself in the head in May of 2000. Stupak says his son’s suicide may be linked to his use of Accutane. Congressman Stupak was quoted saying "We are up over 100 reports, that's just what is coming in to us, so I believe there are probably over a thousand cases," Stupak said. "The average time is 88 days from when you start taking it, and the effect is very sudden.... You are doing strange things at 3 a.m. and you are dead at 7 a.m."
According to USA Today, approximately 66 cases of suicide and over 1300 cases of psychiatric problems by Accutane users have been reported to the FDA as of December 2000. In 1986, Accutane’s warning label stated some potential risk of depression linked to the drug.
French officials required Hoffman-LaRoche to add the risk of suicide to its European packaging in 1997. The FDA did not require the US version to be modified until 1999. If you or someone you love was harmed by or had side effects that caused them to harm themselves you need to consultant an Accutane lawyer who will help you participate in any class action Accutane lawsuit, individual Accutane lawsuit or just to give you the information you need to see if you are a candidate for an Accutane lawsuit.
In 2001, the FDA announced that new warning labels and consent forms would be required for Accutane users. The form urges patients to watch for signs of depression. These signs include but are not limited to: feelings of sadness, irritability, feeling unusually tired, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating, thoughts of hurting themselves or suicidal thoughts.
What is being done about Accutane injuries?
In 2002 a Congressional hearing about Accutane began. This hearing raised the level of awareness of Accutane injuries, bringing it to the government and societies attention. The FDA has since revised the label for Accutane. The revised label includes stronger language about the risk of Accutane injuries and possible psychiatric problems associated with the drug.
Lawsuits for Accutane injuries have already been filed against Hoffmann-LaRoche, an Accutane manufacturer, in several states. The family of Charles Bishop, the 15-year-old who crashed a small airplane into a building in Florida, has filed suit. Another Accutane lawsuit has been filed by the family of 14-year-old Steven Wertheimer, who killed himself by standing in front of a 750,000-ton commuter train traveling beside the Palo Alto High School football field. The family of a 22-year-old Virginia man who committed suicide is also participating in a lawsuit against Hoffman-LaRoche. Even more lawsuits have also been filed or are pending for Accutane injuries.
What are Accutane side effects?
Unfortunately, there are side effects from using Accutane. Not all acne patients take isotretinoin. The side effects of Accutane include: Chapped lips, dry skin and itching - the use of daily alpha hydroxacids will help prevent this side effect, dryness of nose, mild nosebleed, irritation and dryness of the eyelids and eyes, - Vitamin E 400 IU each day may lessen this side effect, joint and muscle pains, temporary hair thinning, rash, intestinal symptoms, urinary symptoms, headache, increased sensitivity to sunburn, decreased night vision, depression, thoughts of suicide.
Accutane and Birth Defects
Accutane can cause birth defects (deformed babies) if taken by a pregnant woman, at any time during pregnancy. It can also cause miscarriage (losing the baby before birth), premature (early) birth, or death of the baby. Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking Accutane. Do not get pregnant for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Also, if you get pregnant while taking Accutane, stop taking it right away and call your doctor. The most damaging side effect of isotretinoin is serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Accutane and Suicide
Some patients while taking Accutane or soon after they stop taking Accutane, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of these problems include sad, or "anxious" feelings or empty mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in regular social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating. Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed. No one knows if Accutane caused these behaviors or if they would have happened even if the person did not take Accutane. Accutane rarely causes depression and thoughts of suicide.
If you have questions about Accutane lawsuits or questions
about when and what information was given to you before you took Accutane
then consulting with an Accutane lawyer that is well versed in the stipulations
will give you the answers you seek.
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