Severe Acne Medicine: Accutane, Isotretinoin, Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret
Accutane (isotretinoin) is a powerful and controversial drug used to treat certain type of severe acne. It has links to serious, life-altering side effects. Accutane, a popular brand of the drug, was taken off the market by its manufacturer in 2009, partly because of the number of lawsuits filed over these severe side effects. But other brands are still available, including Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret.
These side effects may surface in the form of debilitating, permanent conditions, such as:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Severe depression
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Birth defects
- Liver damage (characterized by loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Allergic reactions
These diseases can be permanent and irreversible, resulting in life-long pain and disability. Attorneys at Janet, Jenner & Suggs understand the seriousness of these diseases and conditions and how they can disrupt income and quality of life.
Consumer Alert
Some patients who are prescribed Accutane/isotretinoin or related drugs may not be made fully aware of the drug’s risks, only its benefits. If this happens and the user experiences a severe side effect, the drug manufacturer or prescriber can be held responsible.
Because isotretinoin-containing drugs carry such risk, the government requires doctors and pharmacists to provide extensive warnings and documents to patients.
Ask Questions Before Taking Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is commonly used to treat a severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. In severe nodular acne, many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. These can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. If untreated, nodular acne can lead to permanent scars. However, because isotretinoin can have serious side effects, a doctor should discuss with a patient all the possible treatments for acne, and whether the benefits outweigh its possible risks.
Before prescribing an iIsotretinoin drug, patients may be asked to read and sign a form or forms indicating they understand some of the serious risks involved.
Accutane/Isotrentinoin Carries Pregnancy Dangers
Accutane/isotrentinoin carries a high risk of birth defects, and so it should not be taken by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. Birth defects can occur if the drug is taken by a pregnant woman even for a short time. The drug can also cause miscarriage (losing the baby before birth), premature (early) birth, or death of the baby.
Other Serious Side Effects
Other serious side effects of isotretinoin and their symptoms include:
- Mental Problems and Suicide—Some patients, while taking isotretinoin or soon after stopping isotretinoin, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of these problems include sad, “anxious” or empty mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, a drop in school or work performance, or trouble concentrating. Some patients taking isotretinoin have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts).
- Serious Brain Problems—Isotretinoin can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sight or, in rare cases, death. Stop taking iotretinoin and call your prescriber right away if you get any of these signs of increased brain pressure: bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Also, some patients taking Accutane have had seizures (convulsions) or stroke.
- Abdomen (Stomach Area) Problems—Certain symptoms may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking isotretinoin. Stop taking isotretinoin and call your prescriber if you get severe stomach, chest or bowel pain, trouble swallowing or painful swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine.
- Bone and Muscle Problems—Isotretinoin may affect bones, muscles, and ligaments and cause pain in your joints or muscles. Tell your prescriber if you plan vigorous physical activity during treatment with Accutane. Tell your prescriber if you develop pain, particularly back pain or joint pain. Muscle weakness with or without pain can be a sign of serious muscle damage. If this happens, stop taking isotretinoin and call your prescriber right away.
- Hearing Problems—Some people taking isotretinoin have developed hearing problems. It is possible that hearing loss can be permanent. Stop using isotretinoin and call your prescriber if your hearing gets worse or if you have ringing in your ears.
- Vision Problems—While taking isotretinoin you may develop a sudden inability to see in the dark, so driving at night can be dangerous. This condition usually clears up after you stop taking the drug, but it may be permanent. Other serious eye effects can occur. Stop taking isotretinoin and call your prescriber right away if you have any problems with your vision or dryness of the eyes that is painful or constant.
- Lipid (fats and cholesterol in blood) Problems—Many people taking isotretinoin develop high levels of cholesterol and other fats in their blood. This can be a serious problem. Return to your prescriber for blood tests to check your lipids and to get any needed treatment. These problems generally go away when treatment is finished.
- Allergic Reactions—In some people, istretinoin can cause serious allergic reactions. Stop taking the drug and get emergency care right away if you develop hives, a swollen face or mouth, or have trouble breathing. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you develop a fever, rash, or red patches or bruises on your legs.
Legal Help for Victims of Accutane Injuries
If you or a loved one were treated with Accutane/isotretinoin and suffered any of the above injuries, you may have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form, or call us toll-free 1-877-My-Advocates (1-877-692-3862) to discuss your case with one of our pharmaceutical injury lawyers today.
