Accutane
What does Accutane treat?
Accutane is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of severe acne.
Approximately 5,000 personal injury lawsuits have been filed against Roche Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Accutane, alleging that the medication caused serious side effects. Accutane lawsuits have been filed against the company due to adverse reactions to Accutane including (but not limited to):
If you have experienced serious side effects following the use of Accutane you may have legal options to seek compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, pain and suffering. For additional information about Accutane lawsuits, please call 1-800-439-8180 or fill out the form on this page.
What side effects are associated with Accutane?
The following serious side effects are associated with Accutane use:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Suicidal thoughts
- Birth defects
- Liver damage
- Gastrointestinal disorders
For more information, see our Accutane side effects page or click here to receive a complimentary copy of 100 Questions & Answers About Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, two serious side effects associated with Accutane treatment.
Are there any recalls or warnings associated with Accutane?
The FDA requires a Black Box warning on all isotretinoin products, including Accutane, to warn of the potential hazards that could affect unborn children. Accutane has been shown to cause severe birth defects, including mental retardation and visual or auditory impairment, and it may result in death.
On June 29, 2009, Roche Pharmaceuticals pulled Accutane from the market due to numerous personal injury lawsuits and business costs. Isotretinoin, the generic form of Accutane, is still available in generic form under different brand names in the U.S. for the treatment of acne and other conditions.
What medications may interact with Accutane?
The following medications should be avoided while taking Accutane, as negative interactions are likely:
- Corticosteroids
- Phenytoin
- Seizure medications
- St. John’s Wort
- Tetracycline antibiotics, including demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Brodspec, Sumycin, Tetracap)
- Vitamin A supplements
It is also important for a patient to inform a doctor of the use of any additional medications, supplements, or herbal products before using Accutane to avoid any complications or adverse reactions.
How should I take Accutane?
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Accutane is administered orally in the form of a pill, usually in the amount of 0.5 to 1.0mg/kg/day. This dosage is split into a twice-daily regimen and must be taken with a meal. A typical round of medication lasts between 15 and 20 weeks. It is not advised that the medication be given as a once-daily dose, as this can introduce too much of the drug into the system at one time.
Missing a Dose of Accutane:
If a dose of Accutane is missed, a patient should skip the missed dose and take Accutane at the next regularly scheduled time. Additional medication should not be taken to compensate for the missed dose.
Accutane Overdose:
If too much Accutane is taken, it is important for a patient to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, stomach aches, headache, dizziness, swelling of the lips, a tingling sensation underneath the skin, and impaired balance and coordination.
Generic Name:
Accutane FDA Approval:
May 7, 1982
Sources:
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=ACCUTANE
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601821
- http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationfor
PatientsandProviders/ucm094305.htm - http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Testimony/ucm115126.htm
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHuman
MedicalProducts/ucm150448.htm
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