Hollywood Stars Testify About Effect of Accutane Bowel Problems on Actor

Actor Brian Dennehy and director Rob Reiner testified in court last week about the impact bowel problems from Accutane had on the career of actor James Marshall, who could have been, according to Reiner, the next James Dean. 

Marshall has filed an Accutane lawsuit against Roche Holding AG, alleging that side effects of their acne medication caused him to develop ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The case is one of several thousand that have been filed by people across the United States who experienced similar injuries that were allegedly caused by side effect of Accutane.

As a result of the Accutane bowel problems, Marshall had to have his colon removed in an emergency surgery, which has allegedly ended his acting career. Marshall is best known for his role as a young marine on trial for murder in the movie “A Few Good Men” and for the starring role in the boxing movie “Gladiator.”

Marshall’s case is one of three lawsuits that are part of a consolidated Accutane trial that is underway in New Jersey state court. Other plaintiffs involved in the trial are Gillian Gaghan and Kelley Andrews, who also allege that they developed bowel problems after using Accutane.

During trial last week, Dennehy testified in person and videotaped testimony was presented from Reiner. Both discussed the lost potential of Marshall’s acting career and possible earnings. Reiner said he saw Marshall as another James Dean, and Dennehy testified on March 10 that the loss of Marshall’s career was an “unbelievable tragedy.”

Roche currently faces about 3,000 Accutane bowel lawsuits, which all involve allegations that the drug maker failed to adequately warn users about the potential risk inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from Accutane (isotretinoin), which could lead to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or other damage to internal organs. This has left many former users with severe stomach and gastrointestinal problems that cause a great deal of pain and can have a devastating impact on their quality of life.

Roche has lost all six Accutane trials that have previously reached a jury, with millions of dollars in Accutane compensation being awarded to individuals who have suffered problems from Accutane.

The number of Accutane complaints filed in New Jersey continues to increase as former users discover that there may be a connection between their bowel problems and Accutane. Awareness of the link has increased following news coverage of prior trials and television advertisements by Accutane lawyers who are reviewing potential lawsuits.

Another Accutane trial is scheduled to begin in New Jersey state court in May 2011, involving a case filed by Kamie Kendall, who was previously awarded $10.5 million for damages from Accutane. That earlier verdict was reversed on appeal because Roche was prohibited from introducing evidence about the number of individuals who have used the acne medication over the years. One or two additional Accutane suits that are compatible with the Kendall case are expected to go to trial before the same jury.