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Accutane (isotretinoin) is a dermatology drug approved to treat severe nodular acne – a damaging form of acne that causes inflamed cysts and is often unresponsive to other treatments. This drug is commonly prescribed for patients with less severe forms of acne, which exposes millions to the serious risks posed by this drug.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1982, Accutane has since been shown to cause a variety of very serious birth defects . Accutane birth defects can occur even if the drug is only used for a short period of time during pregnancy, and especially in the early weeks after conception.
The risk of Accutane birth defects is so great that women must take pregnancy tests and commit to using two forms of birth control before Accutane even becomes a treatment option. The risk of Accutane birth defects is very serious.
Accutane belongs to a class of vitamin A-related drugs known as retinoids. Other retinoids as well as high doses of vitamin A are also known to cause birth defects . If your child developed an Accutane birth defect or other malformation as the result of retinoid drugs, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. A qualified attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights.
Accutane Birth Defects and Other Retinol Drugs
Accutane and all other oral retinoid drugs should be avoided during pregnancy because of the increased risk for birth defects. Soriatane (acitretin) and Vesanoid (tretinoin) are both retinoids that are known to cause birth defects. Soriatane, which is used to treat psoriasis, has specifically been linked to craniofacial and heart defects, spina bifida, and limb defects.
While topical retinoids have not been directly linked to the development of fetal birth defects, pregnant women are encouraged to avoid them – especially since they can potentially be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Topical versions of retinoids include Retin-A, Renova, and Differen.
Accutane Birth Defects and Vitamin A
Vitamin A is necessary for proper fetal development, but can cause serious birth defects if taken in excess . In fact, a 1995 study found that women who took excessive amounts of vitamin A during the first two months of pregnancy faced double the risk of having a baby with a malformation similar to an Accutane birth defect. To reduce the risk of a vitamin A-related fetal birth defect, pregnant women should not take more than 5,000 IU (international units) daily.
Types of Accutane Birth Defects
The risk of an Accutane birth defect in a developing fetus is extremely high for women who become pregnant while taking the drug or who take it at some point during their pregnancy. Malformations similar to Accutane birth defects can also occur in pregnant women taking other retinoids or vitamin A drugs. The following are some of the more common Accutane birth defects:
If your child was born with an Accutane birth defect or similar condition, you may wish to seek the early advice of a birth defect attorney who can help you understand your legal options. Please contact us today for a FREE consultation with one of our caring and competent birth defect attorneys.
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