Accutane

On June 27, 2009 Roche Holding AG, the world's biggest maker of cancer drugs, is pulling its Accutane acne medicine from the US market. This announcement came after Roche found itself on the wrong end of a number of multi-million dollar jury verdicts. The jury verdicts were due to the adverse gastrointestinal effects associated with Accutane use. Further, on July 9, 2009, Hoffmann-La Roche announced that it will no longer sell or advertise Accutane.

Accutane is a drug developed by Hoffman-LaRoche for the treatment of severe acne. Since December of 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have received reports of 66 suicides, and 1,373 cases of psychological problems among Accutane users. The FDA warns that anyone taking Accutane experiencing these side effects should stop taking the drug and contact their doctor immediately. Accutane's package warning first stated the potential relationship between Accutane and depression in 1986. It was updated to include the risk of suicide in 1999.

In addition to psychological problems, Accutane may also cause gastrointestinal problems. According to the FDA, possible gastrointestinal reactions include inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, pancreatitis, bleeding and inflammation of the gums and colitis.

Accutane may also cause miscarriages, premature births, birth defects and death of baby in women who are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Accutane. The FDA warns that women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant must not use Accutane.

On March 1, 2006 the FDA along with the manufacturers of Accutane, implemented what is called the iPLEDGE program. This program is a risk management program to educate women and prevent pregnancies while taking Accutane.

PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DISCONTINUING THE USE OF ACCUTANE OR ANY OTHER PERSCRIPTION MEDICATION.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of taking Accutane, you may want to speak with an attorney. A lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of Accutane may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions.

To contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates, please call 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form to have someone from our law office contact you.