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Accutane Drug Injury Lawyers

Birth Defects & Complications

Accutane use has been linked to serious psychological and physical side effects.

Accutane^®, or isotretinoin [eye-so-TRET’n-o-in], is an oral drug prescribed for severe nodular acne. It is also used to treat several different forms of cancer, including brain and pancreatic cancer. Although Accutane was taken off the market in 2009, generic versions are still available.

Since its approval, Accutane’s growing list of side effects has come under close scrutiny by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Users were warned against severe birth defects associated with Accutane use. Later, depression was added to the list of possible serious side effects as well seizures, stroke, permanent loss of sight, and pancreatitis.

Accutane Birth Defect Warning

Even before its approval, studies showed that Accutane could cause fetal abnormalities in lab animals. Once Accutane was approved, the FDA warned users of potential birth defects. According to The New York Times, since 1982, 25 to 35 percent of babies whose mothers took Accutane during their pregnancies suffered malformations of the head, face, and heart. Many more children developed learning disabilities and other problems not obvious at birth.

Accutane Linked to Suicide and Depression

All patients treated with isotretinoin should be observed closely for symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, such as:

sad mood,
irritability,
acting on dangerous impulses,
anger,
loss of pleasure or interest in social activities,
sleeping too much or too little,
changes in weight or appetite,
school or work performance going down,
trouble concentrating,
or mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression.

Patients should stop isotretinoin and they or their caregivers should contact their healthcare professionals right away if patients have any of the previously mentioned symptoms. Discontinuation of treatment may be insufficient and further evaluation may be necessary.

What other serious side effects are associated with Accutane?

The possible serious side effects known to be associated with Accutane use include:

Birth defects: deformities, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the baby
Mental problems: depression, sleeping disorders, or suicidal thoughts and attempts
Brain problems: severe headaches, seizures, or stroke
Stomach problems: inflammatory bowel disorder, abdominal pains, rectal bleeding, or dark urine
Bone and muscle problems: back and joint pain
Hearing problems: hearing loss or constant ringing
Vision problems: loss of sight, blurred vision, or painful dryness
Lipid problems: high levels of cholesterol and other fats
Allergic reactions: fever, rash, or red patches and/or bruises on legs
Others: including trouble breathing, convulsions, slurred speech, and blood sugar problems

What should I do if I took Accutane or am taking an isotretinoin-containing prescription?

If you or someone you love took Accutane or a generic version of the drug and suffered from severe depression, inflammatory bowel disorder, or had a child born with serious birth defects, we want to help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Accutane^®is a registered trademark of Hoffman-La Roche. The reference to the registered trademarks of Hoffman-La Roche is used here only for the purpose of identifying the product in question.

This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by or associated with Hoffman-La Roche, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, or The New York Times.

Free Consultation

If you have been injured by Accutane® and you want a professional law firm that will get it done, contact the Indiana injury lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin. Complete a free online consultation form or call us toll free at (866) 684-7229 to contact us today.