Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Notorious Restrictions

Accutane is a prescription medicine for acne, which is also occasionally prescribed for treatment of other skin conditions or certain cancers. The drug is now available in multiple generic forms. It is notorious for the heavy restrictions placed on its use because it can cause serious birth defects. However, studies have more recently connected Accutane to inflammatory bowel disease. Recent studies have also shown a connection between Accutane and clinical depression, echoing results from as long ago as the 1980s. The Missouri Accutane lawyers at E. Ryan Bradley represent clients alleging all of these serious Accutane injuries.

Several studies have connected Accutane to inflammatory bowel disease, a group of conditions that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients with these disorders have immune systems that attack their own digestive systems, causing painful and embarrassing symptoms that change their relationship with food. The symptoms are known to persist for years after patients stop taking Accutane. The connection between Accutane and gastrointestinal disorders is debated, but the FDA takes it seriously enough to include a warning on Accutane’s label that Accutane has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease in previously unaffected patients.

Lawsuit History

Since 2007, Roche Holding AG, the maker of brand-name Accutane, has faced at least seven lawsuits from patients who alleged the drug caused their gastrointestinal symptoms. In all seven cases, juries decided in favor of the patients. Missouri Accutane lawyers are still representing families with this kind of injury.

The scientific connection between Accutane and clinical depression is even more strongly established. The FDA collected 431 reports of depression and suicide in patients taking Accutane between 1982 and 2000. It lists Accutane as fifth on the list of drugs associated with depression, and the only non-psychotropic drug on the list. In 1998, Roche sent a letter to doctors warning them that Accutane may cause depression and suicidal thoughts. More recent studies have connected Accutane to lower brain levels of serotonin, a chemical known to be absent in depressed and anxious people. The FDA now requires a bolded warning about the increased risk of depression, suicide and aggression on Accutane’s label. As with gastrointestinal disorders, those who experience depression after taking Accutane say discontinuing it does not end the depression.

If you believe taking Accutane caused depression, suicide or inflammatory bowel disease in your family, you should call our Missouri Drug Recall Attorneys at E. Ryan Bradley today. From offices in St. Louis, we represent clients across Missouri who have been seriously injured by a prescription drug they believed they could trust. That includes losing a loved one to a serious drug side effect like depression. When prescription drugs hurt the people they’re supposed to help, the results are often life-altering. Severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease can be socially isolating or even require the removal of the victim’s colon. Depression isn’t visible, but it can still keep victims from enjoying their lives or meeting their goals &mdash: or cut off a life too soon. When these serious problems are caused by a prescription drug, victims can hold the manufacturer legally and financially responsible for the results. Our St. Louis Defective Drug Lawyers help clients recover compensation for their medical costs, pain and suffering, lost quality of life and other personal losses.

Confidential Case Evaluations

E. Ryan Bradley offers free, confidential case evaluations, so you can tell us your story and learn more at no risk or obligation. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today

For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Suite #226 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 400-0000

Kansas City Office
1509 NE Parvin Rd, Suite A., Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 408-3448

Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.