Accutane
What does Accutane treat?
Accutane is an oral medication primarily prescribed to treat severe acne.
Approximately 5,000 personal injury lawsuits have been filed against Roche Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Accutane, based on claims that the medication caused serious side effects. Lawsuits have been filed against Roche due to adverse reactions that may include:
If you believe you have experienced serious side effects following the use of Accutane, you may be eligible to receive compensation to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering. For more information about Accutane lawsuits, please call 1-800-439-8180 or fill out the form below.
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, an informative and helpful book which discusses two major side effects associated with Accutane treatment.
Are there any recalls or warnings associated with Accutane?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a Black Box warning on Accutane and other products containing the ingredient isotretinoin to warn patients of the potential risks to an unborn child. In clinical studies, Accutane has been linked to an increased risk of severe birth defects such as mental retardation, visual or auditory impairment and even death.
On June 29, 2009, Roche Pharmaceuticals removed Accutane from the market in the midst of numerous personal injury lawsuits, but the company cited business costs as the reason for the withdrawal. Isotretinoin, the active ingredient in Accutane, is still available in generic forms under various brand names in the U.S. for the treatment of acne and other skin 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 such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin) and tetracycline (Brodspec, Sumycin, Tetracap)
- Vitamin A supplements
It is also important for a patient to inform their doctor of the use of any additional medications, supplements or herbal products before using Accutane to avoid 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 body weight per day. Doses should 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. Most patients split their dosage into two doses per day.
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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