Accutane

Accutane is the brand name for the drug isotretinoin, manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche to treat severe acne. Accutane is a Vitamin A derivative taken orally as a treatment for nodular and cystic acne that is resistant to less intense acne medications. The treatment, which usually lasts several months, reduces the sebaceous glands, thus decreasing the production of sebum, an oily substance that prevents skin from becoming dry.

Side Effects

Accutane causes a number of side effects, which, in most cases, depend on the dosage. Because a larger dosage of Accutane increases the chances of positive results, many people experience side effects. Some common side effects are:

Chapped lips
Dry, itchy skin
Irritated eyes
Joint or muscle pain
Intestinal distress
Rash
Decreased night vision

A less common but serious side effect is depression. In some cases, Accutane has been attributed to severe mental depression and even suicide.

Risk of Birth Defects

The most serious side effect is the risk of birth defects. The FDA has taken several steps to inform the public of the potentially deadly birth defects associated with the drug. A 2005 FDA alert detailed a strengthened risk-management plan to help prevent women from taking Accutane during pregnancy.

Some birth defects associated with Accutane are:

Mental retardation
Heart defects
Microcephaly (decreased size of the head and brain)
Hydrocephaly (enlargement of fluid-filled spaces in the brain)
Facial abnormalities

The FDA also has issued a warning against purchasing Accutane over the Internet. Because of the potential for side effects such as depression and serious birth defects, purchasing the drug without the involvement of a health care professional can be hazardous.

To learn more about legal claims relating to Accutane, you should consult an attorney who practices in the area of drugs and medical devices.

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