Roche Laboratories, makers of Accutane, have settled a lawsuit in Illinois before it reached court. Accutane has been implicated in more than 1,000 lawsuits, claiming side effects ranging from IBS to severe depression. Roche Laboratories has spent more than its fair share on payday cash to settle lawsuits – but what is the fate of Accutane?
Accutane used to treat acne
Accutane is no longer on the market. Of course, the generic brands are still on the market. This is meant to reduce oil released by glands under the skin. In general, Accutane and similar drugs were intended for use as a last-resort drug, when other acne medication had not worked. Other Accutane-like drugs include Claravis, Sotret, Amnesteem and any generic isotretinoin.
Accutane’s side effects
Because of the severe side effects associated with Accutane and similar drugs, it is offered only under very severe restrictions. Before these restrictions were put in place, though, Accutane was generally prescribed by a doctor without unusual amounts of counseling or caution to the patient. Accutane and similar drugs can cause depression, Crohn’s Disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, severe birth defects and liver damage. The drugs can also cause a skin condition where the skin begins to separate from the body or “burn” from the inside out.
Accutane lawsuits
More than 1,000 lawsuits were filed against Roche Laboratories as Accutane was the first put on the market. Most of these lawsuits are based on the argument that Roche Laboratories did not sufficiently warn patients of the side effects of Accutane. Six Accutane lawsuits have now gone to trial and all were lost by Roche. These verdicts have cost them more than $ 56 million. More than 16 million people have taken the drug and Accutane has been on the market since the early 1980s.
Accutane can still be found on the market
Still on the market are Accutane and other drugs although there are severe side effects. A program called iPLEDGE requires extensive counseling for any patient taking the drug. The patient must also agree to use two forms of birth control while taking the drug and sign documents indicating that they understand the dangers associated with taking Accutane.
Article Sources
Drugs.com
http://www.drugs.com/accutane.html
Newsome Law
http://www.newsomelaw.com/blog/2010/05/12/accutane-lawsuit-leads-pre-trial-settlement-roche
About Lawsuits
http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/settlement-accutane-lawsuit-prior-to-trial-10157/