Accutane Lawsuit

Staff Writers

Add Your Comments

Side effects of Accutane, a popular acne medication that is available as a generic, have been linked to increased risk of serious and debilitating bowel problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.

STATUS OF ACCUTANE LAWSUITS: Plaintiffs have been awarded millions of dollars in compensation in the first Accutane bowel disease lawsuits to go to trial in the United States, and hundreds of other cases are still pending. In addition, Accutane lawyers are continuing to review new cases for individuals who used the medication and were diagnosed with:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Crohn’s Disease

Do You Know about…

hair dye cancer lawsuits For Salon Professionals

Hair dye lawsuits are being pursued for salon professionals who were routinely exposed to hair dye chemicals and diagnosed with bladder cancer or breast cancer. See if you qualify for a hair dye cancer lawsuit settlement.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION
Hair-Dye-Cancer-Lawsuits
Hair-Dye-Cancer-Lawsuits

Do You Know About…

hair dye cancer lawsuits For Salon Professionals

Hair dye lawsuits are being pursued for salon professionals who were routinely exposed to hair dye chemicals and diagnosed with bladder cancer or breast cancer. See if you qualify for a hair dye cancer lawsuit settlement.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

>>SUBMIT INFORMATION ABOUT AN ACCUTANE LAWSUIT<<

OVERVIEW: Accutane (isotretinoin) was developed in 1982 for the treatment of severe acne. It has been used by more than 16 million people worldwide before an Accutane recall was issued in June 2009, and the brand name medication was discontinued. Roche cited the cost of defending against Accutane lawsuits as a factor in their decision to stop selling the name brand of the medication in the U.S. Accutane continues to be available as a generic sold under a variety of names, such as Claravis, Sotret, Amnesteem and generic isotretinoin.

There are nearly 1,000 lawsuits over Accutane pending in state and federal courts. All of the Accutane suits include allegations that the drug maker failed to adequately warn users about potential Accutane side effects. The company lost the first six cases that went to trial so far, with verdicts totaling $56 million. Roche has also reached Accutane settlements in other lawsuits for undisclosed amounts.

ACCUTANE SIDE EFFECTS: Accutane has been linked to conditions similar to vitamin A toxicity which appears to be dosage related. Scientific studies have suggested that Accutane adverse reactions could include:

  • Birth defects
  • Depression
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Ulcerative colitis.

ACCUTANE BOWEL PROBLEMS: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the name for a group of digestive disorders that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and have been linked to Accutane. IBD impacts the intestinal tract and affects about 4 million people world wide.

Crohn’s disease affects all layers of the intestinal wall in the small and large intestines, as well as other digestive organs and can cause parts of the intestines to narrow, cause the formation of abnormal tunnels between digestive organs, and cause fissures in the anal skin. Ulcerative colitis affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum, causing them to become inflamed. There is no cure for either disease. However medication and surgery are options which can be effective in treating these ailments.

ACCUTANE STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME: In February 2010, Health Canada reported that it had received reports of severe skin reactions, including sometimes fatal reaction known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome from Accutane. At least 66 reports of Accutane skin reactions were identified by Health Canada, including adults and children, with two of the cases resulting in death.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe skin reaction that occurs as a side effect of several medications. It is highly debilitating and causes the skin to burn from the inside out, producing blisters, severe rashes and the skin may begin to separate from the body. When the skin lesions affect more than 30% of the body, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Treatment in a hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Burn Unit is often required, and the conditions can be fatal in many cases.

REVIEW A CASE WITH AN ACCUTANE LAWYER: Submit information regarding a potential Accutane lawsuit to have your case reviewed and evaluated by an attorney. If it appears that you, a friend or family member may be entitled to compensation as a result of Accutane side effects, you may be contacted by a lawyer.

>>SUBMIT INFORMATION FOR REVIEW BY ACCUTANE ATTORNEYS<<

Tags: Accutane, Acne, Birth Defect, crohn's disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Isotretinoin, Roche, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

More Lawsuit Stories

154 Comments

Maria
I took Accutane in 2006 when I was 13 and although all my acne went away, I now suffer life altering effects from it. I’m only 30 and have had a disc replacement in my neck and have been hopsitalized for lower back pain after the disc split there as well. My spine surgeon says my discs look like that of a 70 year old and are all dried out. In addition to this I experienced issues with delayed bone healing after breaks, as well as arthritis in my hips and hands. I also experience digestive issues but that’s currently the least of my problems. I realize the warning label on the medicine stated that long term effects are not known, but by 2005 there should have been enough information about such long term effects. 15 year and 20 year studies should have been done and the company should have done due diligance. If I had known these [degenerative disc disease and rheumatoid arthritis] were common side effects, then I would have never taken the drug.
Caroline
My youngest son took accutane for nearly a year back in 2017. His demeanor has changed significantly since & the acne is back worse than before. Every conversation or interaction has become markedly confrontational or argumentative to the point where he’s mostly isolated from the family, & this weighs heavy on his moral, which destroys any improvements to his depression symptoms. Watching him suffer like this is heartbreaking, because I can see his frustration, confusion & sadness snowball quickly & then break like an avalanche destroying all of his hard fought momentum forward. I wish I never would have allowed his doctors to put him on this medication. It’s been life altering in all of the worst ways and this struggle has changed him to his core— where there once was a kind-hearted, shy young man we all viewed as a bright, passionate, & only somewhat difficult student of the arts; we now find only an angry shell of who he used to be. I know this medication is what destroyed my son from the inside out & since the acne came back with a vengeance he has been struggling to find a way to trade his anger for peace in an effort to find his way back from his accutane enforced exile. I hope justice will prevail
Brandon
I took Accutane when I was 12 and 13 for acne I started experiencing back pain around 16 when I was 27 I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and I am miserable I would to know how to claim compensation from the company that made it because I am disabled on disability from taking Accutane
Amanda
Do any of you who took accurate have children with skin issues? My father took accurate when he was a teen for years because of cystic acne. Fast forward and now me and my brother both have horrible psoriasis and eczema… no one else in our family have issues at all!
Brian
I was given this drug back in 1982-83 when it was first introduced in the USA. Besides the common side affects like bloody nose, dry, chapped lips, peeling skin, yellow/red eyes.. I had joint pain, muscle weakness. I was on this drug for 6 months at 40mg a day. In 1986… just moving some kitchen equipment I broke my neck. I have suffered from gut issues, such as loose stools, diarreha, stomach pains, which I continue to have to this day 2020. In 2017-18 I ripped my bicep off my right are 100% off. While healing I was just moving a couch with my legs and left arm when I ripped my left arm 70% off. I have never been the same since taking this drug. Both sides of my family have no history of any of these things.
Mark
I am 52 years old. I have had cystic acne for several years, but it had spread to the back of my neck, so after several other treatments, my dermatologist decided to put me on Accutane (isotrentinoin). I was on 40 MG for one month, then he doubled it to 80 MG for the last five months. In month #2, I experienced the expected side effects, like dry face, chapped lips and some changes in my attitude, like more quick to anger and frustration. No biggie to me. However, when the horrible lower back and hip pain came, it changed my life. I can barely get out of bed and I cannot stretch my legs like I used to do. My hip hurts so bad, I can barely put my socks on, or tie my shoes. It has been one week since I stopped taking it and no improvements in the pain areas. However, the acne never got any better. So basically, I was poisoning my body for 6 months, and I have no idea if the pain will ever go away, or get worse. AND, it never got rid of the acne. Not only that, but it was expensive. If the pain persists for over a month, I will seek an attorney and will be glad to join any other class action suits. My heart goes with the people on this thread.
Angela
I am 42 years old. I took Accutane for 9 months while in college for severe acne. While it cleared my skin, I have been suffering from depression, anxiety, have stomach problems, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), Arthritis and degenerative disc disease. My urologist believes that the toxins in Accutane destroyed the protective lining on my bladder. My regular dr believes the degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my back, hips and hands were caused by Accutane. There is research being done in an attempt to link the interstitial cystitis to the Accutane. All of these health issues have changed my life and caused me even more depression and anxiety. I am up 5-8 times during the night to pee. I can’t walk or stand for more than an hour without extreme pain. The urologist and dr visits have drained my bank account and I am just miserable, had to change my diet to the most boring, plain foods. I have gone to physical therapy for my back but could not afford that at 30 bucks a visit, 3 times a week, it’s just not possible on one income. I feel for everyone who has experienced health issues after taking Accutane. Money will not take away the pain but it can help pay the medical bills.
Cheong
My daughter is 22 years old and just finished her college. She took the Accutane when she was 12 years old. About 4 years later, she developed a severe depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other diseases like everyone. My husband and I took her to so many different doctor offices. Now her acne is coming back. What is your advise to replace the Accutane and who is a good laywer for this case? I would like to take your advice. Thank you.
Derek
Apparently the attorneys don’t read these comments, but for fellow Accutane sufferers, I would like to share with you that I too have many of your symptoms. 14 years of chronic stomach and muscle/joint pain, stomach and intestinal surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile disfunction, brain fog, anxiety, reclusive, cancerous polyps, inability to gain weight, continued acne, skin issues including lychen planus, and numerous other health related problems. I’m certain these health issues are a result of my Accutane use. Shame on the drug maker Roche for disclosing known side effects from the public. We people need to come together and sue these bastards. Unfortunately attorneys have been of no help. If I’m not a prime candidate I don’t know who is. My entire body has been destroyed.
annie
I took Accutane for cystic acne in early 90’s when I was about 16 years old. Took it for 5 or 6 months. Cleared my acne but started with severe dry lips. Shortly after I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and nodules in my thyroid glad. Started gaining weight considerably and by 2003 I weighted 254 lbs. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease AND hypothyroid. Had gastric bypass in 2003 because I kept gaining weight even under supervised diets and diet pills. In 2007 had small intestines twisted and had to do emergency surgery. In 2012 had intestinal blockage again due to the adhesion from 2007 operation. Another surgery in the same place. Started suffering from weak bones and joint pains. Major loss of muscle.3059 Had rotator cuff tear with a huge bone spur on my right should. On May 2015, had surgery to repair the shoulder. It is now June 2016 and pain in the shoulder persist because of a huge bone spur that was already removed a year ago!! Also, have been gaining weight consistently in the last 3 months. Doctor increased the thyroid meds, but I have not been able to loose a pound. I am now 43 years old.
robyn
I took Accutane in fairly high doses in the late 90’s. Shortly after I developed severe muscle and joint pain and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia I had a T12 vertebrae fracture for no reason. I had to have 2 shoulder surgeries. Hand surgery. Have been diagnosed with arthritis. I am scheduled for a hip replacement. I am in so much pain, nothing seems to help. I have diagnosed with depression My neck is so stiff I can’t move it. My back is so sore, I can barely stand. I am now disabled from teaching. All of this seems to have started after Accutane. Could there be a link?
Leroy
I took Accutane back in 1982. I think it had just come out. Had very bad cystic ace. Though my acne cleared up, today I am wondering if my IBD, which I suffer from extreme bloating, constipation, gas, cramps, bad headaches, severe bone and muscle pain, along with joint pain and bac pain and severe fatigue. This all started in 2005 but could never find the cause. Coming onto this site and seeing what Accutane could have done to people, I am wondering if this drug has caused all of this pain and hurt. Because of this in 2006 and 2010 had really bad suicidal thoughts due to the horrific pain. It had gotten so bad that I quit my job of 25 years because physically was unable to perform my duties. I am now still out of work with no income.
Jeffrey
I took Accutane in 1984 to 1985 all most a year to a date.. my family live in to there 90s no problems of life changing. But my acney was so bad I really didn’t have a choice my sisters and brothers or in good health but 2 to 3 month later I had a sick pain I was in and out of hospital I was told I has IBS after 1 year later surgery on my Collin. I am 47 year old and I live with pain every day I haft to force my self to eat some days and live on a or around a bathroom so if I have a bad day I can stay close to a toilet I have 4 children and a wife now and I live for them, I been married and divorce in the past lost many friends be cause I can’t stop every thing on a snap. I see my doctor 3 times a year so many lower and upper surgery I can’t keep up with and it all started 2 to 3 month after starting Accutane again my sisters and brothers and my mom and day or just fine but thy didn’t take Accutane I am the youngest in my family this should never happen not to me but it has. PS I just sorry for hurting my family with it I now we could be so fair better off but I will work every day and take it in try I only hope my family and friends to never haft to do what I have been through in life because Accutane thank you!!! Ps I have been 4 differ meds a day and seen, treated for crones and ulcers
Angela
So many of the same degenerative disk disease back problem arthritis bone problems I have seen , I’m on my second surgery . Why is there not yet a class action for back and bone issues , it’s directly linked to too much vitiman A
Elise
My son developed seizures – 2 major tonic-clonic episodes while on accutane. Also severe abdominal pain, headaches. Now off the meds and on epilim. I think this meds should be banned – especially since it is often given to teens who are still developing.
Kristen
Like many others before me and after, I took Accutane in my mid-thirties for acne and after a high level of joint pain a few years later, I was tested positive for RA and now take an expensive biologic to keep my immune system from attacking my joints. Accutane is highly misleading, toward total health and contributes to future diseases, of which I have been diagnosed with two (2) auto-immune diseases. Every day struggle of pain and juggling work and life schedules to stay healthy and productive. I refuse to give up my career at this time, however I’m not sure how much longer I can maintain an active life contributing to family and others. I have various degrees, however nothing prepared me for the pain and fatigue.
Christopher
Went on Clavaris on Feb 2013. Male. Was 21 at the time going on 22. 40 mg a day. In Canada. Had to finish my round early iin April 2013 after waking up one day with crippling anxiety that wouldn’t go away. Perscribed Prozac and Clonazepam, had to quit my job. Hair started falling out in September 2013, never subsided. Joint pain and persistent cracking began two or three months ago in August/September 2013. Diagnosed yesterday with Inflammatory Arthritis, though tested negative for RA (yet). I’m only 23, only been off this drug for 18 months. Scared to death as to what horrors the future holds for my body. Can tell that digestion is already on the downhill. How the fuck can I sue this monstrous company that produced this poison ?
Elle
My son died this past April 2014 of a grand mal seizure. He was a healthy 19 y/o on a high dose of Accutane (one dose in the am & one dose in the pm). After having one “unexplained” seizure and a stay in the hospital, the doctor put my son on Keppra. About a month later the neurologist changed his meds to Tegratol. Three days later, my son never woke up.
Andy
I took accutane about 4 years ago, by the 4th month on accutane I developed acute pancreatitis and was hospitalized for several days, eventually I left and was on an extremely low fat diet. I recovered from the pancreatitis, but 3 years after I developed a herniated disc on L5:S1 and have not been able to recover from this. I am in constant pain everyday. The worst part is, my acne didn’t even clear up, I still have terrible acne.
Tanya
I took Accutane when I was 15 and by the age of 18 was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am now 44 and have suffered for year with digestive inflammatory problems like colitis and ulcers etc.. but the arthritis in the past 25 years has caused me to spend thousands of dollars on doctors, test, and medications… even worse, I have had to have joint replacement surgeries, including my jaw! It has negatively affected my life in so many ways- I am not able to take care of kids because of arthritis in my wrists, knees, ankles etc… Is there help out there, is there a class action suit I can join? I am an extremely good case.Thank you for anyone’s feedback.
Anthony
I dont know if it will help in any lawsuits or anything my mother told me to look into it. Im on my 7th chemo treatment and seems like i will be cured of my stage 2 hodgkins lymphoma. I took Accutane in middle school for about 6 months and i was diagnosed with the cancer a week after my 26th birthday so figure 10-14 years apart. Well thats my story. Hope it helps someone.
Kat
I took Accutane for about 6 months when I was a young teenager- 14 or 15 years old. I am now 26 years old and was also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in September, when I was 25. As the other posters have mentioned, there is no family history of RA. My acupuncturist mentioned the possible link between Accutane and RA and I am very upset seeing how many young people like myself are now having this issue. While it could be a coincidence, I find that a little unbelievable.
nathan
I was on Accutane in 1999 for about 8-12 months. I went off the medication in march of 2000. 3 days after going off the medication i started having gran mal seizures. I have been having seizures ever since, and have been taking yet another medication that i will take for the rest of my life. If i could have sued i would have. It has made my life miserable. These seizures have caused me to clinically die 3 times. Ive had a cerebral hemorrhage, a stroke and have been hospitalized for weeks at a time. Accutane is a miserable drug…get your loved ones off of it!
Chip
My son took Accutane for 2 years plus. Within a year after coming off the drug, he began to have seizures. He had 4 major seizures over the course of 3 mos. and is now on anti-epileptic medicine. He never had seizures before taking this medicine and no family history of seizures. Has anyone else experienced this? Also, this was the only medicine my son was on.
Ann
Do not take this medicine !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sue
My son was on roaccutane in 2005 at the age of 18 for several months. In May this year he had his first grand mal seizure while overseas. There is no family history of epilepsy and he is otherwise a fit and healthy 26 year old. We are on the specialist merry-go-round trying to find a reason for the seizures. He is on Keppra and a couple of other drugs to try to eliminate the occasional partial seizures he’s still having. It occurred to me 2 nights ago that perhaps the roaccutant had done some damage and I’m finding anecdotal evidence here. Now I’m on a warpath to track down all the information I can on this hideously harmful drug that is being prescribed to young, growing bodies – in fact it doesn’t sound suitable for any living thing no matter how bad the acne. Shame on you Roche!!!
Craig
I was on Accutane in my senior year of highschool, in the early 80’s. Around 40 I developed heal spurs, carpal tunnel and pain and stiffness in neck, diagnosised as DISH syndrome. I am now 50 and the stiffness in my neck is worse. Only treatment doctor suggested is Nsaids. I heard all of this could be the direct effect of taking accutane. Tried reaching out to law firms but none are taking my case.
tyler
I was only on accutane for three months when I was younger. Three years later I was hospitalized for rectal bleeding and vomiting blood. I had inflammation and polyps in my intestines and well as tears in my asophagus. Last week after suffering unmedicated for three years I was finally diagnosed with crohns disease. I didn’t start taking accutane with any knowledge that I would get this disease and didn’t experience symptoms until after I stopped taking it. I suffer every single day of my life in many more ways than one. So to those who are telling us to use our common sense? Why don’t you put yourself in our shoes before you decide to shoot off at the mouth. I was a young girl when I was put on this drug and was NEVER warned about any of these side affects. If so I would have stayed away from it. Now I will live with this for the rest of my life. To the rest of you, I wish you luck with all of your symptoms. Don’t ever give up on getting a diagnosis because one day you will find the right doctor to help you. I felt helpless for three long years and finally got the help I needed. You will too. Now I hope to find some kind of resolve for the things I have been living with and will continue to live with forever.
sai
hii iam using sotret from past 6mnths now i became pregnant on oct 27 and doc said i need to uder go for abortion and i had an abortion on nov 15 2012 now again i am pregnant now on feb 11 will i have to go under abortion again..now from oct i stioped sotret..can any one help lzz
Carolyn
My son went on Accutane ifor about 4 mos in 2004. he slowly but surely started developing many digestive issues. Now, he has cramping and diahrrea everyday. Has been to the Gastro doc several times, got tested for Celiacs (if only it has been that easy) and other things but they did not do a colonoscopy on him which I don’t get. this kid cannot gain weight and has always been about his health, works out, eats VERY healthily and still the issues. He just can’t catch a break with this stuff and it looks like it’s going to be a lifelong problem. I am mad as FIRE and upset that this was still on the market and being prescribed in 2004 when they KNEW the issues in 2001! The only issue they had us sign off on was the birth defect issue if it happen to be a female taking it and she got pregnant. Which was silly that I had to sign being that mine was a male but they made you sign anyway. But NOTHING about severe digestive disorders.
Angela
Depression acute back neck and joint pain
Ellen
I, too, have back pain from Accutane (I took 3 rounds, at age 19, 22, and 25). I have been pretty healthy my whole life, and one day I went to a chiropractor who did an x-ray of my spine and asked if I had been in an accident (which I haven’t). When you look at the discs in my lower spine, it looks as if they’re all kind of mashed together. I NEVER had back pain in my 20’s and early 30’s, but it suddenly hit in my late 30’s and 40s and it is pretty bad. It’s so frustrating, I no longer want to do things I used to. My back hurts just LOOKING at people pick up heavy things. Running gives me lower back pain. Lifting up a moderately heavy box makes my back hurt. Even when I exercise and go walking. My diet is EXTREMELY healthy, I take supplements, eat about 8 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, am not overweight at all, and go running fairly regularly. I would not have suspected “degenerative disease” but one day I remembered going to the dentist in my early 20’s, and after he took an x-ray of my jaw, he said I have degeneration in my jaw (or maybe it was the joints), which he thought was odd given my young age. I realized, the same thing seems to have happened to my spine. It does help to take vitamin D (10,000 IU/day) and also to use the “back to life” machine… but it is not a cure. No matter how much i do these things, the back pain still comes back. If someone had told me this would have happened, I don’t think I would have taken accutane…. acne sucked, but back pain is worse. I also have dryness in my eyes and mucous membranes that has not gone back to normal (and I believe this may have affected my fertility). They say it goes back to normal, but I don’t think it ever does. It’s a shame, cause when you have acne, you’ll do just about anything to make it go away, but if someone could give you a taste of the pain you’ll experience later on… most people would probably just live with the acne. The thing that kills me is, not ONE doctor asked me about my diet, before prescribing Accutane. They were so quick to write a prescription, and would never acknowledge that eating the wrong foods could have anything to do with it. I have since found that certain kinds of foods give me cystic acne. Fast food (like a jack in the box burger – just about any kind including turkey) will give me cystic acne within 24 hours. I also wasn’t cleaning my skin properly (I didn’t know how). Now I know. You have to remove the dead cells really well (I use really good, absorbent cotton pads and alcohol and it works like magic). Doctors would rather write a prescription than acknowledge this. It’s really a shame. My heart goes out to everyone out there who suffers from the effects of Accutane. I am just 44 and hope I will be able to live with the back pain and the side effects that are yet to come (I’m just cringing, waiting to see what they are). In the meantime I’m going to stay strong and try to be as healthy as I can.
Jan
Unfortunately it has taken 15 years for us to realize that our well adjusted, happy daughter was thrown into a life of struggle because of our decision to go with Accutane. Of course there is no direct link and no way to prove it but when we look back we realize that this could be the explanation for the turn that her life took after her treatment. She has struggled with depression, and anxiety that seems to be never ending after years of psychotherapy and various medications. She is a college graduate that is unable to overcome the mental prison that she lives in and seek career commenserate with her education. We also think that it affected her executive function which seems to be entirely possible if it has been proven to affect the emotional parts of the brain. She also seems to suffer with many physical problems that keep her inactive, this from a girl who loved sports of all kinds.
Sean
2 Teenage children have chronic IBD, most likely Ulcerative Colitis. I could care less about the lawsuit, but like Eric 30 Nov 2011, I want to see if anyone has found a way to heal the digestive system after Accutane damage Medical community, including the best in the state has failed. Natural Path Doctors seemed to have helped us get stable, but not healed yet. Drugs caused more side effects that improvements–I would not recommend this route. This is really where the money should be spent–a protocol to cure the disease not just manage the symptoms.
Turid
This is scary to read about. My son Erik 16 years old has just been diagnozed with Rheumatoid arthritise, 2,5 months ago he was an doing sports – elite level- and now he is in pain all the time and cannot move without painkillers. He took Isotretonoin Actavis 20 mg for 2 WEEKS and stopped because his joints started to hurt and stopped him in his sport. This has gotten worse and 2 days ago he was diagnozed. Unbelievable. We have no family history of this desease so I am 100% sure it is the drug. We live in denmark and the skin doctor won`t even repport it because there is no link between this condition and the pills. Please does anyone have knowledge if this can be treated and also if anyone knows of any lawsuits in Europe? Please don´t eat this medicine……
Justin
I took accutane in 1996. I had mild acne but was perscribed accutane because the other alternatives did not work. In 1999 I joined the air force. I finished basic training and tech school with ease then came the problems. In 2000 while in Germany I started to develop depression/suicidal thoughts. This was all new to me and was too much for me to handle. This progressed into repeated panic attacks. In 2000 I received a medical discharge due to panic attacks. My dermatologist swears up and down it had nothing to do with accutane, I call BS. I have learned to deal with my depression but I wish I could have done my 6 years in the Air Force because I really enjoyed it. I feel like a failure for it. I do have a good life now but I think it could have been much better had i not had taken accutane. I don’t proceed with a lawsuit because I know it will take a lot of money with little to no reward. I continue to read numerous articles on long term side effects on depression.
Angie
I took Accutane in 2002 for Cystic Acne. In 2010 I was admitted to the hospital after having severe Diahreah, up to 20 times a day for at least 4 months and then I got so dehydrated that I had to be hospitalized for a week. They did a colonoscopy and the Biopsy’s came back saying that I had Severe Crohn’s Colitis. I have just recently spent another week in the hospital and another gastroenterologist took 4 biopsies and all came back positive for Ulcerative Colitis. So now I am take 4800 Mgs of Mezavant a day and am slowly weaning myself off of 50 mgs of prednisone. I wanted to note to all the people who have wondered if anyone else has developed a seizure disorder after taking Accutane. I also developed a seizure disorder after taking it and they are all grand mal seizures, and weirdly all in my sleep. I have no history of IBD or Seizure Disorders in my Family. So I have no doubt that Accutane has something to do with this.
eric
I too have had terrible problems after accutane. I think the real question is, has anyone found a solution to reverse these problems? It’s almost as if accutane is somehow still stored in the body. Maybe the liver?
Nels
At 20 years old, I was prescribed accutane. This ws either in 2001 or 2002. I was given a high dose (twice a day). The doctor put me on bc pills & i was told to sign some sort of waiver should i get pregnant, I’d have to have an abortion. That was the only warning I was given. Had I known what was to follow, I would have never taken this drug. I was only on the medication for about 2 weeks when my stomach issues began. First came the cramps, then bloating, then bloody stool. I was so nervous about this that i didn’t tell anyone! One day, after seeing blood in my stool, i went to the hospital and had all these tests done and was released the same day. A few weeks later, i woke up to a bloody bed. Within 3 days after that episode, I was in school and felt MISERABLE. I was bloated, i looked PREGNANT! I left class and brought a gingerale and thought it was gas. After a second can of gingerale and no help i began having severe cramps. I drove around a bit not sure what to do. I was so nervous I could not call my mother because she’s a nervous person to begin with. Anyway, upon arriving at the hospital the pain had reached new levels. It was as if they were cutting into my stomach. The doctors thought it was appendicitis. First came the sharp pain, then came vomit. This went on for an hour or more. After several attempts at a ct scan they decided to admit me. My Hemoglobin levels dropped to about 3 g/dL. Doctors thought it was cancer and my mother was called at about 6am. I was hospitalized for 8 days thinking the worse. Then my mom told the doctors about Accutane. It was a scary few days and lots of tests, I was diagnosed with IBD. I had a team of about 8 doctors at my bedside all day. I cried each and every night thinking I had cancer and was going to die! Prescribed Pentasa, Prevacid, and Budesonide. 21 pills a day could you imagine? I was put on state disability for 2 and half months and then the depression kicked in. Suicidal thoughts and one attempt. It’s been a rough road. I regret taking that medicine everyday of my life. the frequent urges to go to the bathroom, the nasuea, weight loss, joint pain has gotten worse over the years. 4 years ago I developed a severe skin disease where i had burning blisters all around my face. This time i used all natural products. Accutane has ruined alot of things in my life. I’m scared to death of taking somethign so simple as Tylenol. I deal with any pain I have out of fear. I don’t know why this drug is still on the market. So many lives have been ruined over something that was supposed to help a totally different issue.
Peter
I immediately got depressed after starting a low dose of acutane in the mid 1990s. I remember feeling profoundly depressed and calling the dr who had not warned me of this possible symptom. I remember having great difficulty getting out of bed, which was something that had never been a problem for me. The reaction was so strong and obvious that I believe I stopped the medicine after a few days. I wonder what damage might have occured if I stayed on it longer and whether any occurred as is. As it is, I do have some digestive and fatigue problems, and considerable problems with joint and muscle aches, but I am not sure if they are connected.
Laughter
‘@Leora – there is no genetic link for MS. Some people get it… Also, MS is not a side-effect of a drug, it’s a disease.
Ryan
I took accutane at age 15 and After suffering from debilitating stomach pain, acid indigestion, burning, knotting feelings in my abdomin for 15 years. I went to the gastroenterologist. I was told there was nothing wrong with me but I might have fructose malabsorption. I cut out all hfcs, and all other high fructose foods it has helped with a lot with very few hiccups.
leora
my healthy, athlete son took in eigth grade. At 16 he was diagnosed with MS. There is no family histroy for this.
Paula
I was on accutane for a whole year in the early 90’s. I am 37 now and have battled depression since 1999 and am still being treated for it. I have hemmirods, irregular bowel movements, fatty liver, and suffer from major bloating and cramps. I feel major pressure in my abdominal area always to a point that I get cold sweats. While I was on it, I loss incredible amount of weight and now it is a constant battle to shed pounds. I felt suicidal and damaged quite a few relationships because of my irrational behavior. I also started to separate my self from the world and had phobias of simple things like going out….this is abnormal for me as I am very high spirited and social. I also developed hair loss, boils on many parts of my body that would not burst and had to be taken care of by a doctor, many sties in my eyes and ulcers. While on it my skin did become porcelain like but far from it today:(
Nancy
I took accutane for acne for 22 weeks during 1999-2000 time frame (at about 37 years of age). Now, about 11 years later (48) , I am experiencing upper intestinal pain on the right and left sides, hemmoriods, acid reflux and inconsistent bowel movements. Could this be due to prior accutane use? Please advise.
Ed
I was on accutane around 26-27 years ago. I was only on it for about 3 months and during the time I was taking it the only side-effects I had were dry lips and dry skin on my forearms. About two years later I developed chronic diarrhea and have suffered with that and intestinal pain ever since. Like a lot of others here I’ve been told I have I.B.S. , gluten intolerance, or that it’s stress related. At the time I was trying to get diagnosed, I didn’t know that accutane was the probable cause of these aliments. It has only been during the past two years or so that i’ve seen the commercials on tv advising of these side efeects. If I was to go back to the doctor now I might be able to get a specific diagnosis. It is damn chaotic trying to live with this.
Timothy
I took Accutane for about 10 weeks in 1990 for adult acne. I was 33 years old. Worked wonders on my acne. But a few months later I had my first colon “attack.” SEVERE abdominal pain. The pain went on for about two hours. Feber, chills, shaking, severe headache, cramps, pain, pain, pain…then diarrhea. Sleep. Felt better. I assumed food poisoning. Then the attacks recurred, every two or three months. I was healthy. Former athlete. Swimmer. Always a healthy diet. Lots of veggies, fish. This went on for a couple years. Finally went to a gastroenterologist. Diagnosed with diverticulosis, diverticulitis. Attacks continued periodically. After a few more years of this, the doctor recommended surgery. The surgeon removed 16 inches of my colon. After the surgery the surgeon said the tissue he removed was strange, in terrible shape, puffy, decaying. He’d never seen anything like it. Since the surgery in 1999, I’ve been fair. I still get attacks, but they are less frequent and far less painful. Still, pain. cramps, fever, chills, profuse sweating, severe headache, the shakes. New gastroenterologist says maybe there’s some IBS. I take stool softeners, drink almost a gallon of water a day, eat very easy to digest food. Little meat, no cheese, no pizza, nothing sweet like cakes or pastries. I have had five colonoscopies. These day they come back fine, no visible problem. But I still get the attacks. Do I have a case?
Myranda
I was put on accutane for about 8 months after I had tried several other acne medications. I started my treatments in june 2008, about a year before it was recalled. I was 15 at the time and suffered from a few minor side effects, dry skin, chapped lips, sensitive skin. The hardest part though were the mood swings and minor depression that came with it. I thought about coming off of it a few times but was determined to clear my skin. after about 8 months of medication my doctor took me off of accutane. he did not recommend I stay on it any longer. 2 years later I am a senior about to graduate from high school and I still feel like I am suffering from depression. I don’t know what I am going to do, I am due to go to college in the fall and I am worried that I may struggle with it.
Lindsay
In response to the Rheumatoid Arthritis posts.. I took Accutane when I was 13 and was diagnosed with RA when I was only 20. This disease does not run in my family and has severely changed my life. I have been researching a lot about the lawsuits associated with this. Accutane has been linked to Ulcerative Colitis and Chron’s disease, these conditions affect your intestines. Recently, I have seen a chiropractor who told me that the pain that I have in my joints could have been caused by digestive problems that create toxins in the intestine. These toxins are what could have triggered my immune system to start attacking itself. RA is an auto-immune disease. Reading about this has been really enlightening because it could explain why this happened to me.
Deborah
To Glen: I am Canadian as well. The Merchant Law Group in Canada is just beginning a class action so you should contact them, just google them. My son took a generic form of accutane Clarus and unfortunately the class action is not covering the generics. They might expand the class if they find enough people were afftected.
1 2 3 4

Share Your Comments

This field is hidden when viewing the form
I authorize the above comments be posted on this page
Post Comment
Weekly Digest Opt-In

Want your comments reviewed by a lawyer?

To have an attorney review your comments and contact you about a potential case, provide your contact information below. This will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

MORE TOP STORIES

Hair Color Lawsuit Alleges Bladder Cancer Caused By Salon Dye
Following 52 years as a cosmetologist, a New Jersey woman says she developed bladder cancer due to routine exposure to hair color chemicals.
MORE ABOUT: HAIR DYE LAWSUIT
Galaxy-Gas-Class-Action-Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Galaxy Gas and several associated companies, alleging the product is marketed to teens using sweet flavors and deceptive safety claims, leading to widespread addiction and neurological injuries.
500 Suboxone Tooth Decay Cases Randomly Selected for Bellwether Record Collection Pool
A federal judge has randomly selected a group of 500 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits to go through case-specific discovery and further workup, which may eventually be eligible for early bellwether trials.