Accutane & Suicide - Side Effect Information

Accutane was introduced by Roche Pharmaceuticals in 1982 for use by patients with severe acne. The medication was typically prescribed by doctors when a patient exhausted other treatment options to combat acne.

Accutane is linked to a variety of serious side effects ranging from birth defects and gastrointestinal disorders to depression and suicide.

The medication guide for Accutane states mental problems and suicide may be an issue for patients taking the drug. Symptoms of mental issues or suicidal tendencies include:

• Sadness
• Irritability
• Unusual fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of appetite

Though Accutane is not currently available, patients are cautioned to stop using the medication or generic versions of isotretinoin if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• Crying spells
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Sleep pattern alteration
• Increased irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or taking your life or the life of another

Suicide-Related Litigation

Accutane has come under scrutiny following the suicide of numerous patients taking the medication. Though Roche Pharmaceuticals eventually included a warning on the label of the drug addressing the risk of suicide, many patients have filed lawsuits alleging the company did not properly highlight these concerns and downplayed the associated dangers.

If you were prescribed Accutane and experienced any adverse reactions to the medication, you may wish to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering. Please call 1-800-439-8180 for additional information about Accutane-related litigation.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) addressed concerns with Roche Pharmaceuticals following reports of psychiatric disorders in patients using Accutane in 1997. The company did not communicate the potential psychiatric side effects with the FDA, even though the French equivalent of the FDA instructed the company to include a “suicide attempt” warning on the label for Accutane earlier in 1997.

In 2000, the Accutane label began including a warning about the adverse psychiatric side effects associated with the use of the medication.