Consumerinjurylawyers : Accutane Lawyers: Accutane Lawsuits
The Prescription Acne Drug Accutane Has Many Side Effects:
Accutane is a prescription drug used to treat patients that have severe cystic acne. Accutane, manufactured by La Roche, is a synthetic form of vitamin A. This acne drug is associated with a number of adverse side effects and should only be prescribed to patients who have been unresponsive to other acne therapies including antibiotics. Additionally, Accutane must only be used by females who are not pregnant or become pregnant while undergoing therapy because this drug is known to cause severe birth defects.
Accutane therapy is initiated for 15 to 20 weeks and has shown to provide for complete and prolonged remission of acne. The general dose is from 0.01 to 0.5 mg/kg taken twice a day with food and should be taken at the same time each day. It is important to take your medication with food for proper absorption. Accutane is not absorbed well without some food in your stomach.
Clinical trials and postmarketing observations have reported side effects that are similar to patients who have taken high doses of vitamin A that include dryness of skin, lips, nasal passages and eyes. Most side effects in clinical trials were mild and reversible when therapy stopped, however, in some cases remained for long periods after therapy was terminated. Complications have been reported ten years after terminating Accutane therapy.
A number of severe side effects have been reported that affected both the body and brain and include:
Cardiovascular complications such as fast heart beat, stroke and clotting
High blood sugar levels
Inflammatory Bowel Disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohns Disease producing symptoms of chronic bloody diarrhea, intestinal/stomach pain and cramping
Autoimmunity
Liver dysfunction
Pancreatitis
Esophageal ulcerations
Allergic reactions
Anemia
Osteoporosis
Stroke and seizures
Depression
Psychosis
Aggression
Suicide
Increase in cholesterol
This list is by no means complete but lists the most severe side effects that have been reported.
La Roche Recalls Accutane:
Over 13 million patients worldwide have taken Accutane. In its hay day Accutane was thought to be a wonder drug in its ability to clear up this debilitating form of acne for adolescents and adults alike. As time progressed, Accutane became linked to a number of adverse effects and in particular birth defects, ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease and severe depression. Unfortunately, the adolescents and young adults of yesterday who had to combat severe acne with Accutane are now living with the side effects of this wonder drug many years down the road.
Accutane, manufactured by La Roche was first marketed in 1982. Many reports of adverse side effects have plagued La Roche from the very beginning. In June 2009, La Roche finally discontinued sales of this acne drug. According to La Roche, this Accutane recall was necessary because they were receiving a lot of market pressure from the generic forms that had become available as well as increasing costs of litigation. Most of the lawsuits fall into the category of Inflammatory Bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. More than 5,000 lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs alleging they developed Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Millions of dollars have been awarded so far and probably much more to come as more people become aware of the possible connection between the acne drug Accutane and bowel disorders.
There is no cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease but treatments vary depending on the severity of symptoms. Individuals that have minor flair ups may be able to use OTC medications to relieve symptoms, however, others may require surgery to remove parts of the colon. It is best to contact your healthcare physician as soon as you become aware of these side effects. The sooner the better because early treatment can prevent the extreme forms of colon disorders.
If you have experienced Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis or any other adverse side effects associated with the acne medication Accutane you may be entitled to financial compensation. You may also want to contact one of the many Accutane Lawyers if you were an Accutane user to see what your legal rights are. Accutane lawsuits are being filed around the country.
by: Susan Ardizzoni Car Rental Insurance-does Anyone Really Need It? Check Around for the Best Car Insurance New York Auto-enrolment And Small Businesses Teaching An Up-and-coming Auto Mechanic About A Concrete Oil Stain Bad Credit Auto Mortgage Financing - 3 Things to Know Prior to Seeking Bad Credit Auto Loan Financing A thorough account of the development of the automobile Setting Up A Automotive Visit With Youngsters? Go Forward! Do You Need Auto Coverage Now? Cheaper Auto Insurance For Teenage Drivers - How to Find Insurance Without Emptying Your Wallet Auto Crash - Being In An Auto Crash Is Extremely Widespread In Peoples' Experiences Your Credit Score And Auto Loan Rates Are You Over Paying For Vehicle Insurance? Get Reduced Rates Now Acquiring Home And Vehicle Insurance Plan Savings