An Accutane® claim is a legal suit that is brought against the manufacturers of this medication (Hoffman-La Roche) by victims who have suffered injury as a result of using this prescription medication. An Accutane® claim is the legal option available to people who have suffered damages as a result of the numerous serious side effects this drug can cause. An Accutane® claim is a personal injury or wrongful death product liability claim whereby a victim seeks compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, partial or permanent disability, and psychological suffering related to Accutane® injuries. Qualified and experienced attorneys, on behalf of Accutane® injury victims, can file an Accutane® claim.

Overprescription of Accutane®

Accutane® is a prescription medication approved by the FDA in 1982 to treat moderate to severe acne. It is estimated that people are prescribed this medication twenty times more often than they should be. Millions of people have been prescribed this dangerous medication for mild to moderate acne conditions that may benefit from treatments with far less harmful side effects. The FDA has received nearly 2,000 reports of adverse side effects caused by Accutane® use. Hundreds of Accutane® suicides have been reported to the FDA since this drug was approved for use in the United States. In 2004 the FDA listed Accutane® as one of the top five most dangerous drugs available on the market today.

An Accutane® claim can help a victim who has suffered from one of the many serious side effects associated with this dangerous medication. Common side effects of Accutane® use include dry skin around the nose, lips and mouth, skin flaking or rash, increased sensitivity to the sun, inflammation of the lips and gums, increased fatigue, decreased night vision, and joint problems. Accutane® use can also cause auditory impairment, an increase in triglyceride levels (fat in blood), erratic bone growth, and Chrohn's disease.

Who has an Accutane® Claim?

An Accutane® claim can also be possible for patients who have suffered adverse psychological side effects from Accutane® use. Accutane® is associated with suicide and depression. Symptoms include suicidal ideations, sadness, irritability, significant appetite loss or increase, excessive tiredness, and other symptoms. Between 1998 and 2000, fifty four suicides were reported as a result of Accutane® use and another 51 suicides were attempted. At least 160 patients were hospitalized because of serious Accutane® complications in those two years.

Accutane® is also extremely harmful to fetal development. Accutane® is known to cause 62 types of birth defects and increases the risk of spontaneous abortion threefold. Because of the serious risks posed to pregnant women and their developing fetuses, the FDA has required that patients sign a waver agreeing to use two types of birth control during Accutane® treatment and for some time after discontinuation.

If you have suffered any injury as a result of Accutane® use, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses in an Accutane® claim. For more information on an Accutane® claim, you may wish to contact an Accutane attorney who can help you.