A man who claimed that he developed severe bowel problems from Accutane, an acne medication, has reached a pre-trial settlement with Roche Laboratories, the drug’s manufacturer.
Roche has asked Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla to approve the Accutane settlement, according to a report in The Madison Record. The case, which was brought by plaintiff Jason Peipert, also involves a medical malpractice claim against an Illinois doctor, who may also be in settlement talks with the plaintiff.
Peipert alleges that Dr. Daniel Goran prescribed him Accutane to treat his acne, and that the drug caused him to develop the debilitating condition, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The case was set to go to trial on April 19, but start of the trial was delayed due the potential settlement with Accutane manufacturers.
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Learn MoreRoche faces nearly 1,000 Accutane lawsuits, which involve allegations that the drug maker failed to adequately warn users about potential side effects of Accutane. The company has lost all six Accutane bowel disease trials that have reached a jury so far, with verdicts totalling $56 million.
The largest judgment so far was awarded to Andrew McCarrell, of Alambama, who received $25.16 million in compensation by a New Jersey jury in an Accutane trial earlier this year.
Details of the Accutane lawsuit settlement with Peipert have not been disclosed. However, the terms of the agreement do not include an admission of guilt from Roche, and Peipert has reportedly agreed not to bring another case against Roche in the future.
Accutane (isotretinoin) has been used by more than 16 million people worldwide since it was first introduced in the early 1980s as a treatment for severe acne. Roche discontinued the drug in June 2009, citing cost of defending Accutane suits as a factor in their decision. However, the acne medication remains available as a generic sold under a variety of names, such as Claravis, Sotret, Amnesteem and generic isotretinoin.
Last month, a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that Accutane side effects quadruple the risk of ulcerative colitis. Researchers found that not only were those taking Accutane four times more likely to develop ulcerative colitis, but they also determined that the chance of developing the bowel disorder rose in relation to the size of the Accutane dose, strengthening the evidence of a causal relationship.
In February, Health Canada issued a warning that it has received numerous 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.
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30 Comments
AlissaAugust 19, 2022 at 1:53 pm
I was on Accutane when I was 28. I have recently been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis which causes me to have choking episodes. I wonder if there is a correlation with my diagnosis and my Accutane use due to its harsh effects on mucous membranes and the lining of the GI tract. I know there have been lawsuits with this drug and other GI issues.
ChandlerDecember 23, 2012 at 3:03 am
Any info on Canadian lawsuits? I've been battling many frustrating issues since I took Accutane 10 years ago.
MARILYNNovember 13, 2012 at 6:46 am
My son also took acutane..a few years later he developed Ulcertive Colitis!!!!!!
DiannOctober 26, 2012 at 9:24 pm
I took Accutane in 1992 and in 1993 almost a year later, my colon ruptured was necrotic and hemorrhaged. I had 6 inches removed thru emergency surgery. I had never had colon or bowel issues before that time. I have now been diagnosed IBS and diverticulitis.
ronaldAugust 27, 2012 at 7:28 pm
I went through a terrerible time after taking accutane. severe doubled over pain in my stomach, with projectile dirrea , intestinal spasms, always have gas , bloated abdominal pain . went to m.d. alot. many times deppression set in. at times the pain [Show More]I went through a terrerible time after taking accutane. severe doubled over pain in my stomach, with projectile dirrea , intestinal spasms, always have gas , bloated abdominal pain . went to m.d. alot. many times deppression set in. at times the pain was horriffic. Have several diagnoses
BrettApril 6, 2012 at 2:57 am
I took accutane about 10 years ago 2 different times. Since then, I have lost 70% of my hearing in one ear and over 45% in the other. This test was taken over 6 months ago, and my hearing is getting worse. I am currently feeling loss of strength and chronic pain in my arms. I am a general laborer and I use my body every day because the work requires it. About the last year or so I have also develo[Show More]I took accutane about 10 years ago 2 different times. Since then, I have lost 70% of my hearing in one ear and over 45% in the other. This test was taken over 6 months ago, and my hearing is getting worse. I am currently feeling loss of strength and chronic pain in my arms. I am a general laborer and I use my body every day because the work requires it. About the last year or so I have also developed temporary stomach issues, and severe cramping at times. Im starting to worry that there may be more problems in the future. Please let me know what to expect.
NICHOLASFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:26 am
I took accutane and ever since then not only did I develop Ulcerative Colitis,had my colon removed,surgery was botched,had f surgeries and spent 6 months in the hospital,developed peripheral neuropathy,also got a stomach fistula all because of the domino effect of me getting acutane,living with it in pain and finally having my colon removed and almost died 3 times.Lost all my friends,family even s[Show More]I took accutane and ever since then not only did I develop Ulcerative Colitis,had my colon removed,surgery was botched,had f surgeries and spent 6 months in the hospital,developed peripheral neuropathy,also got a stomach fistula all because of the domino effect of me getting acutane,living with it in pain and finally having my colon removed and almost died 3 times.Lost all my friends,family even split up. Im severly depressed and barely hanging on every day is a painful nightmare for me and all I really have is myself. I used to be a professional soccer player and had to retire early because of it. My life is a nightmare. I with these attorneys out of New York but they dont act like they care and its been in court for 2 years already and no end in sight.
DavidAugust 15, 2011 at 2:29 am
I had a kidney transplant in 1991. The cause was interstitual nephritis believed to be caused by Asacol which I took for a number of years prior. I too would be interested in a Canadian law suit..
bettyFebruary 19, 2011 at 12:08 pm
I have had all the problems listed above and then some. I took accutane in 1981,82 approximately for 4 or 5 months after the death of my brother, in retrospect I probably didn't need anything that strong. The Dr. Touted it as being the new wonder drug. Less than a year later could not even ride in a car! The motion made me cramp and vomit the pain was excruciating. I lost weight went through multi[Show More]I have had all the problems listed above and then some. I took accutane in 1981,82 approximately for 4 or 5 months after the death of my brother, in retrospect I probably didn't need anything that strong. The Dr. Touted it as being the new wonder drug. Less than a year later could not even ride in a car! The motion made me cramp and vomit the pain was excruciating. I lost weight went through multiple tests, was even sent to a psychiatrist. To make a long story short was finally diagnosed with crohns disease thanks to the prometheous blood test, and had a complete proctocolectomy in december 2007(colon and rectum removed)Still om medication to subdue effects of disease, and surgery has presented its own set of problems, but I am determined to live my life! Do not know if I have a case, because cannot find proof I took accutane, pharmacys do not keep records that long and do not remember doctor(probably dead anyway) any suggestions would be appreciated ..
ClemFebruary 11, 2011 at 7:36 pm
I took accutane from 1985-1987 . It was a wonder drug and changed my life for the better.
VivianaFebruary 6, 2011 at 3:17 am
I took Accutane for a period of 1 year. I have suffered extreme depression that resulted in damaging my career and family. My son, who was sensitive to my depression and lack of response, committed suicide in 2006 at age 20. I suffer from extreme gas and bloating. I require night vision glasses and have a marked loss of hearing. I had lost about 20 percent of my hair while taking the drug. I menti[Show More]I took Accutane for a period of 1 year. I have suffered extreme depression that resulted in damaging my career and family. My son, who was sensitive to my depression and lack of response, committed suicide in 2006 at age 20. I suffer from extreme gas and bloating. I require night vision glasses and have a marked loss of hearing. I had lost about 20 percent of my hair while taking the drug. I mentioned it to the prescribing doctor, he didn't feel anything was wrong and told me to continue taking the drug. I was also on birth control, which he prescribed, and told him that I was having calf pain. I was a smoker and was concerned. Again he disregarded the complaint. I also have muscle weakness and fatigue, which I thought was due to my depression and son's death. It never occurred to me that all of these symptoms could have been brought on by Accutane. I took the drug in the 80's and don't remember the dosage. I don't think that it was a high dosage because I didn't really even have an acne problem. Imagine so many negative side effects over something that wasn't even needed.
debbieFebruary 2, 2011 at 1:43 am
And the only defense they have is there is a small warning on the insert that there could be digestive or bowel issues along with the 50 other things that could happen if you take this drug that pretty much is the standard label warning all drug companies use to try to cover there ass. I am 46, spent my 21 birthday in the hospital 2 weeks away from dying from a massive infection from crohn's disea[Show More]And the only defense they have is there is a small warning on the insert that there could be digestive or bowel issues along with the 50 other things that could happen if you take this drug that pretty much is the standard label warning all drug companies use to try to cover there ass. I am 46, spent my 21 birthday in the hospital 2 weeks away from dying from a massive infection from crohn's disease that was misdiagnosed for over a year while I crawled on the ground. 18 inches of intestines removed, my life destroyed due to ill health and now told I have active disease and on major pain medication for 4 yours while waiting for medicare to kick in so I can even have surgery.These drug companies are well aware of the risk and after the trillions of dollars they make from selling the drug, a few million in lawsuits is nothing plus I'm sure they make some of the drugs we use to treat symptoms they caused so double benefit for them. They need to be shot and any FDA official caught in Bed with these companies should be thrown in Jail or forced to take the drug they approved.
LouisJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:46 am
My daughter took Accutane for close to 1.5 years. She is now 18 years old and was recently diagnosed with Ulceritive Colitis. This drug needs to be pulled off the market. 2 to 3 yrs ago, no one mentionned this risk to us and clearly the company had the knowledge of its causal effect.
JeremyDecember 29, 2010 at 9:21 am
I have been having bowl problems for 5 years now it has been about I took acutain when i was 24 and again when i was 27 I am 30 now. I often have problems with my bowels and I never knew why. I live in alberta i need to get diagnosed or see my doctor. I also need to get more info about getting on the class action law suit.
WadeNovember 18, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I am currently 23 years old and reside in Canada and was taking accutane ~10years ago at 240mg/day for 6 months. I had the usual side effects while taking the drug, but started having troubles swallowing soon after. The problem persistened and worsened to the point of not being able to swallow most solid foods. 2 years of hospital and specialist visits was finally diagnosed with eosinophilic esoph[Show More]I am currently 23 years old and reside in Canada and was taking accutane ~10years ago at 240mg/day for 6 months. I had the usual side effects while taking the drug, but started having troubles swallowing soon after. The problem persistened and worsened to the point of not being able to swallow most solid foods. 2 years of hospital and specialist visits was finally diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis by a scoping and clipping of the esophagus. (Had done barrium swallow, xrays, digital imaging, diets, etc... previous to the scoping) They also scoped the stomach and first part of the intestine and found eight Benign Tumors that they removed. All of these symptoms are related to accutane symptoms. I currently have to take some sort of steroid inhaler that I swallow for 30 days at a time and daily ran-pantoprazole to help with inflammation and esophagitis. Is there any lawsuits in Canada or is this done through the states??? Any info please let me know thanks.
DennisNovember 13, 2010 at 6:45 pm
I was on accutane in around 1995 and was diagnosed with Crohns in 98. I didnt know the was a connection between the two until I seen a lawsuit commercial on tv.I was put on prednizone,flagel,cipro, and asacol for about a year to help with the crohns also had to go to hospital several times for dehydration but I didnt have to have surgury. Crohns has gone into remission for several years now but I [Show More]I was on accutane in around 1995 and was diagnosed with Crohns in 98. I didnt know the was a connection between the two until I seen a lawsuit commercial on tv.I was put on prednizone,flagel,cipro, and asacol for about a year to help with the crohns also had to go to hospital several times for dehydration but I didnt have to have surgury. Crohns has gone into remission for several years now but I still have occasional rectal bleeding and fissures.
krdavisOctober 25, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I took Acutane in my 30's now in my 40 and a school bus driver. one day I had to go to the bathroom real bad, had massive cramping and was on the bus and had an accident. I have had real bad cramping right before a bm and was never sure way. I feel I may have found out now. I have a call into my dermo where I got the meds from so that I will have all the information and then off to see my family d[Show More]I took Acutane in my 30's now in my 40 and a school bus driver. one day I had to go to the bathroom real bad, had massive cramping and was on the bus and had an accident. I have had real bad cramping right before a bm and was never sure way. I feel I may have found out now. I have a call into my dermo where I got the meds from so that I will have all the information and then off to see my family doctor to get answers. them I will join the lawsuit.269
JSHearEOctober 23, 2010 at 8:18 am
I was on Acutane when I was in high school. That was 5- 7 Years ago. I have never really put it together what was wrong with my bowls, but they always hurt. They particularly hurt when I have to go to the bathroom. I also have rashes all over my body still because ever since I have been on the medicine I can not get my dry skin to go away. I have been lotioning every day twice a day. My ears even [Show More]I was on Acutane when I was in high school. That was 5- 7 Years ago. I have never really put it together what was wrong with my bowls, but they always hurt. They particularly hurt when I have to go to the bathroom. I also have rashes all over my body still because ever since I have been on the medicine I can not get my dry skin to go away. I have been lotioning every day twice a day. My ears even cracked and started pussing while i was on the medicine.
L.PhenixOctober 14, 2010 at 5:42 pm
My son suffers with IBS - he took Accutane 7 years ago - where can I get more info on the Canadian lawsuit?
FaisalOctober 4, 2010 at 11:58 am
I have taken Acutane twice in my life and have many side effects that I live with them today including gastrointestinal problems and others. The drug has taken a serious toll on my career,personal and private life.I will appreciate if some one can direct me as to how can I get legal help
NickySeptember 21, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I took accutane when I was 14 years old (mid 1990s) and two years later I started having my IBS attacks which lead me to emergency many times over the next 5 years. The IBS has resulted in anxiety of being sick and in pain which also affects other aspects of my life. I also have sleeping problems which started around the same time as the IBS. Constant need to sleep, never feeling energized, etc. M[Show More]I took accutane when I was 14 years old (mid 1990s) and two years later I started having my IBS attacks which lead me to emergency many times over the next 5 years. The IBS has resulted in anxiety of being sick and in pain which also affects other aspects of my life. I also have sleeping problems which started around the same time as the IBS. Constant need to sleep, never feeling energized, etc. My early 20s were controlled by IBS. It still affects me today however I have had to learn how to manage it.
JoshSeptember 20, 2010 at 2:38 pm
I would like to know more as well on the Canadian class-action lawsuit....I took the drug 10 years ago and since then have had numerous gastrointestinal problems although have yet to be diagnosed with IBS or crohns.....
SusanSeptember 14, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I am also interested in knowing more about the Canadian lawsuit..... If anyone has more information, please post. Thanks
JamieSeptember 12, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Does anyone have any info on getting on the list for the Canadian lawsuit? Having trouble finding it...
hughSeptember 1, 2010 at 5:02 am
how do I get on the accutane lawsuit list. I am 28 years old and took accutane when I was around fifteen. Since this time I have struggled with bowl problems. I have been diagnosed with both IBS and diverticulitus and have had a piece of my bowl removed. I now believe that taking accutane has caused these symptoms.
LaurieAugust 29, 2010 at 12:24 am
I have had serious IBS surgeries after taking Accutane. Do you know how to be put on the Canadian lawsuit list or where I can find more information?
ChadAugust 28, 2010 at 6:50 pm
How do you get onto this list for the Canadian lawsuit against accutane?
PeterAugust 28, 2010 at 4:24 am
James is now 24 and was put on Accutane 9 years ago when he was 15 years old for 6 months, he developed major sickness with his bowel movements, as a high school student he was unable to attend regular classes. since graduation he has not been well enough to commence employment. His worst times are in the mornings....he has a diet different to everyone else in the family and suffers a great deal a[Show More]James is now 24 and was put on Accutane 9 years ago when he was 15 years old for 6 months, he developed major sickness with his bowel movements, as a high school student he was unable to attend regular classes. since graduation he has not been well enough to commence employment. His worst times are in the mornings....he has a diet different to everyone else in the family and suffers a great deal after eating. One of his major symptoms is nausea....He was tested for so many possibilities.....the medical community felt it was IBS but could not find any evidence of other causes. His problems started within a year of starting his accutane treatment. We had no knowledge of these lawsuits until recently seeing an ad on tv on August 10th 2010. We live in B.C. Canada, if anyone knows about a firm of Attorneys dealing with this issue please provide details. Many thanks his Dad.
MarcAugust 27, 2010 at 9:44 pm
WOW, i have several symptoms and always wondered why? I got my answer now, mind you i took this drug in the 80s.
DebbieAugust 18, 2010 at 7:12 pm
I'm on the list for the Canadian lawsuit against the makers of this drug. They need to pull it from the Canadian market and should have done so when they pulled it from the American market. I'm certain that the Canadian suit will be won as well. There are a lot more symptoms that can be directly related to Accutane than just IBS...there are many, many more health injuries from this drug, that will[Show More]I'm on the list for the Canadian lawsuit against the makers of this drug. They need to pull it from the Canadian market and should have done so when they pulled it from the American market. I'm certain that the Canadian suit will be won as well. There are a lot more symptoms that can be directly related to Accutane than just IBS...there are many, many more health injuries from this drug, that will be exposed in the Canadian lawsuit.