Accutane Lawsuit

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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

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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

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154 Comments

Singapore Evelyn
D2004 , very bad cystic acne. Doctor said mine was one of the worst case. Took accutane. Doctor only cautioned risks on pregnancy and kidney. Later on I had dry lips, big moon face, depressions lots of crying, suicidal thoughts. Tremendous acne improvement after 7 months. 2005, a different doctor told me i’ve taken overdose of accutane. He did not say further. Stopped accutane. Between 2005 to 2008, back pain on and off. It got worse and consistent. Mid 2008, Hospitalised for a week. couldn’t stand or sit up. Diagnosed as slipped disc. Follow-up at physiotherapy, doctor told me i have bone degeneration. He was as surprised as me. I was only 32 years old, sporty since young, no such family illness history. Was i too young to get bone degeneration? I googled slipped disc bone degeneration, it seems to link to accutane. Some of you mentioned painful joints back pain, better do spine check-up e.g. ct or mri scan. After stopping accutane in 2005, acne started coming back in 2008.
Joel
Wow, I feel a camaraderie with the rest of the victims here whose lives have been devastated by this drug. I am 42 yrs old, and like many others, took it in the mid-eighties when I was a junior in high school (16 yrs old). Of note, my brother and sister did not have any significant issues from accutane, although my sister did have two miscarriages. Before taking accutane, I was an easy-going, happy and healthy kid who had friends, was athletic and very physically active. Unfortunately I have a hypochondriacal mother who took myself, my brother and sister to the dermatologist periodically because she wanted us to look perfect! None of us had anything worse than mild to moderate acne, mine being mild. So I took it because I was told by the dermatologist and my mother that not only do I need it, but that it would shrink my sebaceous glands and I would never have acne again. The only thing I was told is that my skin would be very dry and that I should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Wow, that sounded too good to be true, and it was! I thought it was amazing at first, as it permanently rid me of my acne. I don’t remember having anything but dry, crackly skin while being on it. However, a month or two after finishing taking it, the personal hell began. I started to have dizzy spells/panic attacks several times a day(in school, nonetheless), and I slipped into a depression for which no one could figure out why. I also developed anger issues, probably related to the depression. I thought it was “in my head”, and I internalized it. I had suicidal thoughts. My mother took me to a psychiatrist who was completely worthless and just put me on Xanax. The Xanax turned me into a vegetable, and I quit taking it. I ended up attending one semester of college(for which I had a full scholarship), dropped out, and my father convinced me to join the Army or get out of dodge(which was actually good for me, probably because I had no time to think in basic training). My parents threw my issues under the table because they had no idea my onset of problems were related to Accutane, and neither did I! I was able to hold on to a 20-year career in the Army and finish my degree, and am now in graduate school; however, during my military career I suffered from anger issues and some self-destructive behavior, not to mention on and off bouts of depression, mostly later in my career. I also have very bad TMD in my left jaw which affects both my vision and my hearing often; not sure if the degradation of my left jaw joint is attributable to accutane or not, but I can’t rule it out. I’ve been receiving accupuncture for about a month now. For some reason, not only is accupuncture effective, but it has “cleared my head” somehow and I am now facing the true cause of many of my past issues instead of repressing them. I’m so angry, I feel like an experiment!
Peach
In response to Joy – I also took Accutane about 20 years ago…. I now have Rheumatoid Arthritis (this disease is in the same autoimmune class as Crohn’s). I was diagnosed with RA in 1999 at the age of 29. This is very young for a non-juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnoses. RA does not run in my family, I am currently the only one in my family with RA.
Aaron
I took accutane for a year in 2003 I took a very high dose. after having horrible stomach problems in late 2009 It finally hurt so bad i had to go to the ER on new years eve. I was told that it might be acute colitis. I had a colonoscopy done in jan. 2010, and was told i have crohn’s disease. I have nobody in my family that has ever had stomach problems like this or crohns. I also just had another colonoscopy a week ago because i was having sharp pains which felt like it was coming from my colon. They said everything was the same except for now i already have scars in my colon from it being inflamed so much. IF I HAVE SCARS ALREADY IN JUST ONE YEAR WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME IN 10 or 20 years! thats what i am worried about! I think Roche should be taken for everything hes worth. this is a life time disease that Will NOT go away! but can only go in remission There is not one day that goes by that i dont wake up with a stomach ache and immediately go to the restroom.
Joe
I took accutane for two and a half months in 1984 after being socially ostracized for two years in high school. My skin cleared immediately and I was ecstatic. Suddenly I had a social life and my severe cystic acne never returned. Two years ago I started having mild incontinence. I changed my diet totally and it still happens off and on. I believe this could be the beginning of IBD. I also had to have a salivary gland removed and now trouble with my eustachian tubes in my ears. I ‘m only 42 and in decent health. No one in my family has ever had these problems. Is it from the accutane? 25years later!!!! I guess I will find out with my next trip to the doctor. All this recent news about the drug’s side effects is very disheartening.
Nadia
I was on accutane for eleven months. I tried it the first time on a higher dose and I was having heart palpitations and my chest was always hurting/ hard for me to breathe. They then put me on a lower dose stating that I should have started on a lower dose because of my weight/ height. Thanks for telling me beforehand! Anyways, after being on the lower dose for eleven months these side effects lessened and I have not had any issues (except for the depression). I wish I knew what I know now for that time of my life! I would never have taken accutane in the first place.
Joanne
Well i will sart by saying Im from Canada. I took Acutane for 5 months. One morning got up cramped up, went to emerge to find out my bowel had colapse. I was in surgery for four and half hours almost died i was in icu for four days and in the hospital for two weeks. I came out of this with a colostomy bag. I was very lucky was able to have it reverse elenven months later. Now being from canada does anyone know if this law suit applies to us as well. If not people take this advice do not thrust your doctor to know because the facts are here. Please be real careful.
Brittany
I was on accutane for 6months in 2004. I was told that I did not need to be on it for any period longer than that. I have not experienced any problems from accutane. I did not get depressed, have mood swings, have suicidal thoughts, or any stomach problems. At least not yet. My skin also got so much better, and is still great to this day. Obviously my skin was very dry while I was taking the Rx, The corner of my lips would even crack. I drank a lot of alcohol while on it though which I dont think your suppose to do and I’m sure that made me even more dried out. The Dr had told me that dryness was a big side effect. However I was able to manage it by drinking TONS of water each day and I kept vaseline in my purse at all times. I pray for everyone who is having these horrible side effects.
Donna
Come on people!!! Who in there right mind believes they’ll ever get any of the side affects that they list on the labels. The minor ones Yes! The major ones No! “We wouldn’t ever take any medications if we did.” FYI-They didn’t label any intestinal problems back when my Son took accutane. My Son Steven is 26yrs old. He took accutane back in high school for 4-6months. I remember him getting minor affects while he was on It but no major problems. Until a year ago!!! My Son has gone under 3 major surgeries. From losing his whole colon, rectum and creating a J-pouch out of his small Intestine. It’s been hell for him this last year!!! He’s been in and out of the hospital 10-12 times out of work since June. I’m sorry for you who don’t think accutane has anything to do with this because there are way to many cases with the same problems.”At such young ages.” His whole life is going to be nothing but medical issues…….If this is the cause of his medical problems at such a young age “Your damn right”, they should be held responsible. I can’t even predict what his medical bills are going to be “Your talking problems the rest of his life.” at the age of 26 and not to mention what it’s going to his personal life:( You all have to remember each and everyone of these people took accutane and are all having the same problems. Coincidence or Not!!! Hmmm………………..
francis
I have suffered from bowel movement problems since taking this drug. I am constapated for days at a time and when I go it is usually diahhrea. I was hospitalized a couple years ago beceuse I was constipated for 14 days and when I satarted to have a movement is was severe diahhrea for 14 days with blood in stool. After seeing the blood I finaly whent to emergency room any std was hooked to IVs all day. My stomach is always a mess no matter what I eat.
Kelly
I was on accutane from 99-00 for cystic acene, and experienced all the normal side effects of the medication. I gave birth to a very healthy baby boy in 2001. In 2004 I developed what the doctors call a hematoma (blood clot) in my abdominal muscle. It is very painful, and we have never been able to figure out what caused it. I have to really baby my ab muscle due to this, can’t lift anything heavy, or stretch certain ways. It’s very inconvenient. I also have a very hard time with my bowels. If I eat anything and I mine anything, just a cracker for instance, after 7pm I spend the rest of the night in the bathroom because I can’t go. Sometimes it takes hours of sitting on the toilet before I can finally go, because my stomach feels like I am going to have diarrhea so I am afraid to get up. Not sure if this is all related to accutane, but it sure is funny how I didn’t have any problems before.
Kelly
I started taking accutane in the early 90’s until around 1999. In 2001 and 2002 I lost 3 babies in early pregnancy for no medical reason. In 2004, I discovered arthritis in my knees, hips, shoulders. I have joint pain in my wrists and ankles. These symptoms came about around the age of 38. I had been generally healthy and very active. My last child was born in 2007 with Down Syndrome. My husband and I were tested genetically and there were no indications found that we were predisposed to having a child with Down Syndrome. I am interested in speaking to someone further regarding this. I also suffered diminished night vision around 1999. I just reduced my driving at night but had not related that to the drug. I also suffer from IBS. and have for about 6yrs. I am unsure whether these difficulties I have experienced can be attributed to my use of Accutane. I should also mention that I had three heathly children before taking this drug and had no difficulty conceiving nor any losses. After taking the drug I had 3 other children with no issues in between the losses. I also wake up with extreme joint pain and was diagnosed with arthritis. At first the drs suspected Rhumatoid but have now said it is osteoarthritis. I have also suffered with bowel problems that I suspect is IBS. Does anyone know of a lawyer in Ontario that is investigating this?
Shara
I, too, took the Accutane in the early 80’s. I don’t remember the dose, but it was 2 straight treatments of it. Since then I’ve run to the doctors repeatedly for stomach pains, headaches, and nausea. I’ve been on Prevacid and all the others for years. Still taking Dramaminefor nausea…the Zofran didn’t work and the Dramamine makes me sleepy, but it helps. I almost died in 1999 when my colon burst (diverticulitis). About a year ago was diagnosed with gastritis. The Accutane isn’t worth it…it didn’t even work.
Sarah
If you look at the statistics for IBS and other stomach issues, more causes can be related to the unhealthy American diet than pretty much anything else. While, it was unfair for the company to not disclose possible side effects and the company should own up to that; how many people can really say that accutane was the only cause of their stomach problems and there were no other contributing factors that could have lessened the side effects? Ance is a sign that the body is out balance and on the way towards disease (specifically the gut and liver arent working optimally to eliminate toxins from the body so the lymph system/skin has to). If you had Ance before you went on the drug it means something in your body was already unhealthy and accutane just exacerbated that. If you are thinking about going on accutane try cleaning up your diet and detoxing your intestines before putting your body at risk with accutane.
Christopher
I was an an Accutane generic called Amnesteem or something like that sometime around 2004ish. It was terrible. For starters, within the first month I dried out like a bunch of grapes in the noon day sun in the Sahara. Next, I immediately stopped growing. My height was projected to increase for another two to three years, but abruptly stopped for no reason. I was extremely active and on a high protein, low fat diet, yet I put on over 120 pounds during the 6 months I was on the medicine, which left me with disfiguring, terrible, ugly stretch marks that fill me (along with a few other events in my life) with terrible self-esteem issues (as did the weight gain). Around the same time I started taking it, most of my memory disappears for the 6 months I was on it, and for a few months afterwards. My writings when from beautiful and eloquent before hand, to the work of a mentally retarded 3rd grader after taking the medicine. It has taken me years to reach the mental high I had the year before this medicine robbed me of so much. Apparently it also changed my personality, and made me a total dumb-ass, according to everyone I knew, although I don’t remember any of it at all. Also, in 9th grade, before the medicine, I was on a robotics team and could fill my stomach with absolutely anything with absolutely no fear of recourse. I had a truly iron stomach. But after taking it, my stomach has been slowly degrading, to the point I was in the hospital for a piece of food dangerously lodged in my esophagus, and now I can not even eat a large meal without pain in my bowels and several bowel movements spread out by about fifteen minutes each. Although I will admit it cured my Acne, I suffered from extremely painful cystic acne, much of which I still have scars from (which is mostly because the medicine has all but stopped virtually all scars from healing, ever). Was it worth the hell that I have been through from it? No. I have other health issues, but I doubt they are related in any way, although judging by the other responses, it is a possibility. As of yet, I haven’t been diagnosed with any serious bowel problems, but it is just in the past few months that I have had a lapse in cluster headaches long enough to realize that my bowels need some serious attention. At this point I am just issuing a warning about this drug, some may not experience side effects, but what it has put me through is terrible. Sometimes I ponder what I could have been had I not spend 4 years rebuilding my mind to the point where people think I am intelligent again (although I don’t think I will ever be as ahead of the curve as I was before this medicine), and just now I have been able to start tackling this weight, although I always fear that no women will find such a disfigured body sexy, and after being cheated on several times by my outright ugly and stupid ex girl-friend, all I have is confirmation. This medicine ruined me life. It removed the pain of acne, and although it is atypical for the medicine, changed the way my skin responded to sunlight, instead of freckling and burning I tan (so weird compared to others experiences), and it took away the things I value most in my life. Just live with the acne, and find other ways to fight it, as this drug is not worth it. Not even slightly.
DJ
I was on accutane(sotret) on and off for about 3 years from about 04-07. I suffered from severe nodular acne on my face, sholders, back, and chest. After finishing the meds, i noticed a dramatic difference in my acne for the better. I had occasional breakouts while on sotret but since im completely finish the medicine, i can count on one hand how many times ive had a nodular breakout in 4 years. At the peak of my dosage i was taking as much as 80mg a day. I always heard about the doctors checking your blood every visit but i wasnt ever checked. As far as side affects go, the most dramatic side affect i suffered is rapid hair loss. Yes, hair loss / thinning does run in my genes but it happened very rapidly. Also, the warnings state that you should stay out of the sun as much as possible and if you have to go out in the sun, wear sunscreen or a hat, or both. Ive always been an outside person, even work outside and i’ll admit, i didnt always use sunscreen, but made it a point to always keep a hat. Since my bout with accutane, i get sunburned on my face extremely easy and stay red all the time. It can be as little as one hour and i will be red for days. Almost as if the accutane scarred my resistance to the sun, specifically my face and lips. Another strange occurrence i experienced as a result of accutance is my allergies. As a kid, i couldnt even LOOK at a cat, much less hold one. I would get hay fever so bad i was sorry i played with the cat. After accutane those symptoms dont affect me in the least. The medicine dried my sinuses out, which, lol i think might have worked in my benefit. Another symptom i developed since being on accutane is frequent and severe hemroids. Ive always been an active person but never has this happened to me before. Luckily, i havent experienced any of the severe stomach pains or problems with bowel movements. I hope my lucky streak continues because some of the stories i have read sound really horrific.
E. Elizabeth
I’m 50 yo. I had two courses of Accutane. Once in my late 20s and once in my late 30s. Since then I have developed several of the listed long term side effects, but the most extreme side effect I am experiencing today is horrible chronic back pain. Last year I had 2 sets of X-Rays, a bone scan, and 2 MRIs. It was discovered that I have premature disc degeneration, bone spurs, and fractures in my neck. (I have read Accutane can cause a condition called DISH). The constant pain has drastically effected my life. I am a small business owner, but can not work. I am no longer able to do housework and have given up my friends. I’m missing out on a normal life. My daughter has asked me to throw a 1st birthday party for my new granddaughter, but I can’t. Simple things like walking up the stairs in my house have become major ordeals. The pain is worst in the mornings upon awaking. My days begin with opening my eyes to horrible debilitating pain. I take pain meds as soon as I awaken and wait sometimes for hours until I am able to move to the point where I can function. The times I have broken down in tears in pain and frustration are too many to count. Others look at me as though it’s all in my head. I’m too young to be in this condition and I don’t look sick to them. When I mentioned to my doctor about the possibility of this being the result of the Accutane, he responded that he “didn’t want to get involved” and that it did not matter to him what caused it because his treatment plan would be the same. I feel like it’s a case of a medical professional wanting to protect the drug company. Please don’t take this drug!
Waltet H
I was taking it in the mid 80’s 1st they tried a low dose, then a double .. ultimately I was on triple dose whatever that was for I would say 6-9 month. I had bad acne and it did fix the problem.. I have had issue with my stomach and going to the bathroom for years.. Little did I know that maybe this was related .. I always was blaming my wife for undercooking something or other..I will be looking into my options regarding the lawsuits..
colleen
I took accutane in the late 80’s. The first time it did clear up my skin, the second time, not so much and the third time, no effect. At the time, I did not make a connection, but I got Type I diabetes shortly after. I was recently informed that diabetes can be related to a bacterial infection. Accutane is a powerful antibiotic that kills all the the friendly bacteria in the bowel as well as the bad. This leaves the immune system compromised. It now seems likely to me that this could be the reason I got severe brochitis and then diabetes. I have also experienced bowel problems, including rectal bleeding. I have, however found help with herbal preparations (aloe vera, marshmallow root) and soluble fibre/magnesium. Enzymes are very helpful. I have found the renewlife.com website informativel.
Mediadiva
Well this is fascinating, as I thought I’d just see if there was a class action lawsuit in Canada against Roche, and look at all this feedback. Like Annie above, I took Accutane in the early 90’s and while I recall reading a scarily-large booklet on potential side effects, the dermatologist recommended it and – especially as a teen – I wouldn’t have considered arguing unless side effects at the time were unendurable. I’ve suffered for years with GI problems since, diagnosed as UC in 2007 and in the past couple of years also discovering that wheat is a major trigger – so perhaps I’m also falling on the low end (so far) of the Celiac spectrum there too. It wouldn’t have made any connection between this and a drug I took 20 years ago, were it not for the TV class action ads, but I’ll now be very interested to hear other people’s experiences and responses/solutions.
Monica E
My son took two rounds of Claravis (the generic form)- one in 2010 & one the year before. Our doctor never mentioned anything about IBD or Chron’s. I’m deeply concerned especially after learning that symptoms may occur 5 plus years later. If Accutane was pulled in 2009, how can the generic still be distributed today? I’m furious and worried what the future may hold.
Victoria
I will keep this brief on accutane for extended period at the time had hair loss . extreme dehydration .. sores in mouth and nose. Since then which was about 7-12 years ago I have had several problems , Ulcers, IBS as well as severe cramping in the Ulterus area unexplained, depression, bloating , gastritious, worse periods than ever .. in an out of hospital often and no clear indication of why any of this happened. Only thing I was told about this drug was to stay out of son and not to take tetracline while taken it or can not be pregnant. Was on it a about 7 years ago and again 12 years approx and now I hear all this crap, I will be speaking to my doctor about this now
arlene
I took acutane in my fifties as I suffered from adult cystic acne. I asked my doctor about depression but he said it was not related. I believe the drug company acutually lied to the Dr’s also. Since then, I have had IBS, one attack of ulcerative colitis and one current attack of Crohn’s. I have suffered from nasea ever since I took the drug. I have tried serveral therapies to enhance my immune system but there does not seem to be a quick fix. I don’t know if Acutane was the culprit in my sluggish immune system. I would like to know if there are others with similiar experiences.
annie
I took accutane in the early 90s and about 3-4yrs later developed digestive issues including severe stomach pain and diarrhea. my acne came back as well. I was eventually diagnosed with celiac disease. It sounds like some of that some of the people that are still having problems undiagnosed in these comments may have celiac disease as well. It would definitely be worth looking into. Celiac presents with various symptoms including digestive and skin problems.
Lisa
I took Accutane in 2005 for about a yr. not sure of the dose now. I remember that I was briefed on dryness and not to get pregnant. I do remember I had really, really dry lips and nose (that eventually went away) some back pain and what was most bizarre was that my heels hurt when I walked. I knew it was from the drug and was hopeful that it would stop after I stopped taking the drug. Around the end of the the time I stopped using the drug I remember someone telling me to stop taking it because it was bad for my liver. I have some knee issues now (crunching sounds) and when I sit cross legged my legs become numb almost immediately. Actually i find that most of my body parts get numb even after 3 minutes of pressure ie kneeling, holding my head up with my elbow (which in addition to the numbess hurts to move after it’s been in this position). I also have a constant pain under one arch of my feet that developed last year. My skin is a little oily now, but was dry for a while. Acne wasn’t ever really that bad but continued after my teens. I do believe I got frequent blood tests. I still get occassional acne and wonder if the numbness and joint/foot issue is related to this? If you are Canadian go to Health Canada at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/prof/_2010/accutane_2_hpc-cps-eng.php and send complaint to Roche and Health Canada.
Mom
My husband took acutane for a few years in the early to mid ninetys. He mentioned something to me a few years ago about health problems possibly linked with this drug, but they involved heart related issues. To date he has no heart problems. But, a few years ago I really started to notice a change in his everything. He lost approx. 80lbs, and was not a huge man to begin with. He currently desperately clings to 165. He has what we’ve had to diagnose as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). The doctors have done all sorts of tests on him, including a barium enema (glowing medicine ingested to see possible defects in the colon). I ask why any man would subject himself to these tests if there were nothing wrong. He eats so much fruit and veggies that any normal person would be on the toilet their entire life. Either he can poop, or he can’t poop for days, and he gets depressed , mean and just plain angry about his physical health. The doctors have not been able to diagnose him with anything as of yet, but doctors these days have an allergy to touching their patients and making sure they receive the best available diagnosis and treatments. I am stressed out watching this happen to a good person, I wish I could take it away from him. I know he would rather be healthy than have all the money in the world, but if acutane turns out to be what caused these problems, then I think definite compensation should be rewarded. But, patients should have to prove that they have problems directly linked to taking these medications, and because there will be sooooooo many, compensations should be rationed a bit more effectively. Everyone should be getting a smaller sum. 6 cases won so far with a reward of 56 million. There will be nothing for the rest of the people who have to redo their diets just to live a reasonably normal life. This is not cheap, it is time consuming and stressful, and it is all unnecessary. I am so sorry for everyone who has these problems, I truly have seen the agony these people now live with. It is heartbreaking. Anyone taking or having taken these drugs, please go to the doctors and mention the acutane. Maybe that will help with your diagnosis. Best of luck, I am rooting for all of you!
April
Well here is my son’s story. He started to take Accutane in August of 09 and gradually had his dose raised. In late 09 he started to have some stomach issues off and on. Our Derma never mentioned nor did she ever ask about stomach problems, she was only ever worried about depression issues which we didn’t have any of. We stopped our treatment in 6/10 and the stomach problems have progressively gottten way worse. We have been to out pediatrician and to our pediatric gastro and i don’t feel like anyone is listening to us. My son NEVER had any gastro problems before this. It is dishartening to read all of these other cases of similar issues. He is only in the 4 month of his Jr year and has already missed 13 days of school. The Dr keeps saying it is stress related but these symptoms happen at all different times of the day or night at school at home weekend or weekdays. He is miserable and so am I trying to figure out what is going on and with no help from the Dr’ you are supposed to be able to TRUST!!! We feel like we are just being dismissed and that we are making up these symptoms……..
william
After reading the comment found here i can say that my ibs can by being given Accutane in 1999 .I was given this med after taking a tb test for employment with the state the year before i was given tb injection so i could work around the homeless pop after moving to boston i started working for the state who asked me to take a tb test i told them that i couldnt take the test because i was given this shot they gave me this med accutane but after starting the med is had my stomache hurting i return and gave them the meds back and went home the next thing i know the health department came to my door ordering me to return to the hospital and began taking the med so i return and gave them the name of the doctor who i seen concerning this manner concerning the tb they didnt check they made me take the meds statingthat if ididnt i had to be removed form the community they stand over me checked to made sure the meds was taken checked my mouth and let me go home i move be home and 2000 and the stomach problem have been happening ever sense i be having depression loss of weight blooding headache on energy low Im having problem getting help no insurance and when i had insurance they couldnt tell me what was wrong Ive had two gi complete not luck moved away form my home town this accutane really missed me up been trerated for dyhatration and track urine effection two time hospital bills ive loss so much weight people in my family think i must be on drugs i have small children which i cant even run with and im just not the easiest person to getalong with this is taking a toll on my relationship with my family but after reading this i want my life back
Will
I took accutane in 99 it killing me after reading this i know that this med was the problem and the thing about it i did not want to take i have the bleeding cramps thin skin weight loss depression i knew something was wrong but i didnt know what 2 colonosopy i have got on my family so much they think immental sick hell i get so depress that i get tire of eating and just stop and loss 30 to 40 pounds to the point that my family thinks im on drug and i get so mad with them i cant help it im not on drugs im really sick and the sight of food if i eat it im goingto be sick for the next week trying pass that stuff and that maens a the bathroom hora sene for i dont know how long it bad i mean passing out in the bath room headache form pushing could you believe sitting in na without a drug problem just because your family think you are on drug and your not your sick and you have been sick for some long your depress and no one unstands took my saving and got some land in nc just so i could walk around and peace because im not the same person i have kids very young thing keep going like this aleast they will have a place to call home My oldest child just told college we really dont get along because im not very nice at time because im aways in hurt and im so tired most of the time i cant focus because of this pain cant run with my young kids because i dont have the energy now you tell me that this has no cure man after trying everthing i know thing are going to be this way for ever but i will not give up
Jo
My son took Accutane back in 2003 and has had extreme problems with his intestinal health. He developed pre-canerous polyps at age 22 years old and has had 3 colonosopys. He is now told as of this week that he is developing diverticulities. He had to go on Elavil just to keep his intestines from becoming spastic. He couldn’t be more than 2 minutes from a restroom or he would have not made it. I don’t know anyone else has experienced hair loss but he is also having that at age 25
Corey
I am 22 yrs old and was on accutane for about 6 months when i was in highschool. It dried out my skin while I was on it but after words the acne did clear up on my face. The past two months however Ive noticed blood in my stool consistently and my doctor is having me see a specialists. The crazy thing is my buddy went on accutane shortly after I did and he too is having blood in his stool consistently.
corey
I am 22 yrs old and was on accutane for about 6 months when i was in highschool. It dried out my skin while I was on it but after words the acne did clear up on my face. The past two months however Ive noticed blood in my stool consistently and my doctors is having me see a specialists. The crazy thing is my buddy went on accutane shortly after I did and he too is having blood in his stool consistently.
janet
I WAS ON 30MG OF ACCUTANE ABOUT 22 YEARS AGO MY DOCTOR AT THE TIME PRESCIBED IT TO ME FOR A 3 MONTH PERIOD . HE WARNED ME OF SIDE EFFECTS AND ALSO MADE ME GO ON BIRTH CONTROL TO PREVENT ANY BIRTH DEFECTS IF I WERE TO GET PREGNANT IT WAS LIKE A MIRACLE DRUG AND MY FACE IS STILL CLEAR TO THIS DAY AND AS FOR THE DRY EYES, LIPS AND REDNESS IN FACE IT WAS TOLERABLE.
Chris
I took accutane for 5 months. My Dr. wanted to keep me on it for a few more months, but I felt so horrible that I asked to be taken off of it. Most of the side effects have subsided with discontinuation of treatment; however, I am becoming very worried because I am experiencing severe back and neck pain that has not subsided for about 2 months now. I am also experiencing severe joint pain in my hands and other areas. The back / neck pain is so bad that I cannot sleep without taking at least 4 Tylenol (have not seen dr. for yet, but will soon if continues). It hurts to sit at my desk at work now. It hurts to run which I typically do. It hurts to play ball with my son. I’m only 31, I should not hurt on a daily basis. This is very disconcerting to me. I also have numbness in my hands that makes it difficult to write / type for more than a few minutes without taking a break and letting my hand rest for awhile. Has anyone else experienced anything like this with Accutane?
Robert
Quote: “I took Accutane 20 years ago…. I now have debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis (this disease is in the same autoimmune class as Crohn’s). Has anyone experienced development of this disease after so many years? Thanks.” I also have agressive RA after taking Accutane took accutane when I was 18 I am now 23… No medical history of RA
Dennis
I took accutane in the 94-95 time period and was diagnosed with Crohns in 98. I didnt know there was a link between the two until I seen the lawsuit commercial on tv. Neither disease is fun cystic acne or crohns.
Jeff
My wife took Accutane for 6 months. She began to develop what I see as moderate to servere depression. She has been off the medication for about 4 months now and the depression has stayed, and I believe she now has symptoms of IBD. Stay away from this drug at all costs.
LMB
I took Accutane 5 years ago for 6 months. I have seen some threads online where people who took the medicine developed lymphoma/hodgkins lymphoma. I, too, developed hodgkins lymphoma 2 years ago. I am wondering if there is a connection or link to Accutane causing such cancers. I also break out in a strange rash at some point everyday that looks like I have been scratched…unsure if that is related, but it is something docs have yet to determine the cause. Luckily I have remained acne free, but if the meds caused my cancer…not sure it was worth it.
Rico
I don’t know the big deal, acutane helped my life! I had really bad acne and accutane removed them, restored my life. I was DEPRESSED before Accutane and lived a normal life after, No bowl problems, nothing!
Sherry
i am from vancouver, canada.I took Accutane in 1999 for only 6 months, of course i had the usual dryness and also photosensitivity, but other than that nothing else until 2 yrs ago, i actually got some bizarre skin symptoms which i seen 5 doctors and 3 specialists for and they were puzzled. After many months and finally a biopsy they diagnosed me with perniosis or also known as chilblains, which only prednisolone got rid if it and i will prob have this for life.(altho i don’t know if it’s accutane related, but i did suspect it when i was diagnosed with it). its been 12 yrs now, and i still have very dry eyes, photosensitivity, and i do have arthritis (hands, lower spine and knee pain) and i am only 28. But after 6 months of treament my acne was gone and its never returned.
Cory
I took claravis 2 years ago for almost a year i suffered all the normal side affects, dry lips and nose but that went away. I also suffered bad depression and still am today it seems.
Phil
I was prescribed accutane 12 years ago. I have since been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and have had to deal with severe depression. I have to take medication on a daily basis. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to function. It took about 5 years for symptoms to begin. My entire life has changed, and it is sad to see all of the other lives that this medication has negatively affected.
Nichelle
I took accutane in 1999 for 5 months, then again in 2009 (generic) for another 5 months. Both times I was on the lowest dose, then slightly higher for the last month. I never had depression issues. The only side effect I had was dry skin and nose, which was a symptom I was prepared for since they give you such huge manuals to read listing all the possible side effects. I have had two pregnancies since taking the accutane, both who are perfectly healthy. One son was born after taking the first round of meds, the second being born after the second round. I knew from the beginning that the drug was severe; there is no way that anyone wouldnt know this with all the testing, manuals, on-line tests, and the actual drug itself has to be physically popped out of a package that has a circle with a line thru it with a pregnant womans body. The simple fact is that severe acne is so depressing in and of itself that most people (myself included) dont care about the side effects of the meds at the time because we want the acne to go away. I first heard about the lawsuit on TV late one night, I have had bowel issues in the last year, although I do not think it is IBD, crones or the like. I am quite sure that at some point in my life I will have issues from taking this medication, but in knowing how strong this medicine was, I figured that would happen. Acne is horrible, and so are the stigmas associated with it, the depression and the low self esteem. IMO Accutane is the only real way that severe cystic acne goes away. It is very sad that many people have such sever issues from taking this drug, but if you had hindsight and still given the choice and knowing that the issues would arrise from the meds I think that most people would still gamble with the drug to get rid of the acne. Just one persons opinion.
james
I took accutane For 3 months in the mid 90s and now Ihave alot of bad symptoms andhave had them for years and I havent talked to anyone such as a lawyer so I dont know were to begin? I just happened upon this website!
SRW
I took accutane about 10 yrs ago for approximately three months until I was told to stop taking it due to negative results on a liver screening. Sensitivity to light continued for months afterward. Severely dry skin lasted for about five years after, at which point it developed into eczema. I had issues with depression prior to taking the drug so I can’t exactly equate those issues with the use of Accutane. I have had on-again off-again symptoms of IBS since taking the medication which, in recent years, have developed into cuppling-over excrutiatingly painful cramps as food is passed through my digestive tract. I can always tell where in my stomach the food is due to the pain during a flare-up… I have mentioned this to a few different doctors over the years who always writen it off as IBS. After learning of the association between Accutane and IBD I have decided to have a colonoscopy for further diagnosis since this is possibly more than a simple case of intolerance to certain foods AND seems to be getting worse.
Angela
I was taking accutane approx. 20 years ago. I too had the usual side effects, the ones i was told about, dry lips and dry eyes. But i have had this horrible EXTREMELY LOUD ringing in my ears. I have had to deal with it for so many years now that I can hardly remember a time when I didn’t have this high pitched ringing. It never stops….24 hrs a day, my ears ring. Sometimes, I feel it will drive me insane if it doesn’t stop. To describe it….it’s kind of like when a TV station goes off the air late at night and you hear the loud ringing, only the ringing in my ears is 100 times higher pitch, i can’t turn it off, and it’s very loud. Don’t EVER take Accutane!!!!
Tyler T.
It’s freightening! I can relate to EVERYONE on here! A support and advocacy group should be organized.
Brian
I went on accutane 15 years ago, n while generally happy all my life previously went into a dark depression which led to my dropping out of the prep school where I was class president, having a falling out with my family and hitting the road to live on my own.. I could not figure out what was wrong n why I was so miserably depressed! Accutane is nasty. I now have ibd too. Wish I could get a settlement.
Kim
I took Accutane back in 1986-1987. I had the usual complaints of very dry lips, hands and very dry eyes. I took the med. for about one year. I had my blood checked periodically and I was told I had to be on birth control pills. In 1992 I had an attack on my stomach and was hopitilized which turned out to be pancreatitis from my gallbladder. I then developed colitis. In about 3 months I had another attack of pancreatitis and then had to have my gallbladder removed. I now have a hietal hernia. I also have GERD. I developed severe dysplasia of my cervic and had to have a partial hysterrectomy in 2000. I have allso suffered with degenerative bone disease in my spine and severe arthritis. My back is so painful that I am on 4-5 Vicodan a day and now that’s not even helping me. I do have to admit though, the Accutane definately helped my skin, but look at the price I am paying now. By the way, Accutane wasn’t out at this time, I was on a case study before it came on the market.
Jennifer
Would Like to reply to “John’s” June 9th post….in my case I didn’t experience these symptoms immediately. Fortunately I along with many others have plenty of common sense and was following my doctors advise to treat an embarrassing problem of Acne. These symptoms occured after being off the drug and now have to live with the side effects. After reading some of the other posts god only knows what is in my future. While the drug treated one problem it may be linked to serious other illnesses I live with on a daily basis.
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