Accutane, an oral medication used to treat severe acne, carries a label warning patients that the drug may cause serious side effects, including birth defects. 
However, the drug has also been linked to other illnesses, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Chrohn’s Disease, both of which are extremely painful and debilitating diseases. Side Effects In 2005, the manufacturer of Accutane, Roche Pharmaceuticals, was forced to update the label on the medication to notify patients and healthcare providers of the increased risk of suicide associated with the use of Accutane. Patients taking Accutane sometimes suffered from severe depression, sleep problems, aggression, agitation, hallucinations and changes in behavior. There were cases where individuals taking the drug, which is also sold under the generic name, isotretinon, committed suicide. Birth Defects Accutane is so dangerous to unborn children that strict requirements are now in place to be sure that women do not become pregnant while on the drug. Women of childbearing age must submit two negative pregnancy tests before therapy begins and a pregnancy test must be conducted during each month of therapy. In addition, at least two effective forms of birth control must be used during the therapy because the drug is so drug is so dangerous to unborn children. IBD and Accutane Recently, painful bowel illnesses, such as Chrohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis and other forms of IBD have been linked to the use of the drug Accutane. In fact, an Atlantic City Court recently awarded $12.9 million to three plaintiffs who claimed Accutane was the cause of their IBD. Despite that ruling, no changes have been made to Accutane’s label advising patients of the potential danger. To find out more about your rights if you’ve used Accutane, simply visit our website at FrenkelFirm.com to find out what you need to know.
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