The Truth About Accutane Teens

Teens and adults who experience severe acne often suffer emotional distress and social discomfort due to insecurities. Diet, genetics, and hormones all factor into the presence and severity of acne. Topical creams and face washes are available on the market, but often do not help to moderate severe forms of nodular or cystic acne. Under a dermatologist’s care, recommendations for prescription medications, both topical and oral, help reduce acne and its side effects. In the 1980’s, research physicians created and branded, Accutane, a serious form of acne medication used to reduce the oil secreted in glands. Accutane patients saw lasting results after a few short months while carefully monitored. Dangerously, Accutane contains extremely high quantities of Vitamin A, which helps skin naturally rejuvenate while controlling the amount of oil the body produces. But excessive amounts of vitamin A have dangerous side effects.

With such a strong medication as Accutane, side effects are life altering and include birth defects, Crohn’s disease, depression, and suicide—all resulting in an FDA recall of the product. Just three short years after the drug first appeared on the market, letters concerning birth defects while mothers took Accutane reached the manufacturer claiming that Accutane was the cause of severe genetic mutations. As a result, women taking Accutane need to sign agreements promising to use twoforms of contraceptives while on the drug. In addition, blood work and pregnancy tests need to be administered upon every prescription refill to ensure safety pregnancy prevention.

Individuals should not take Accutane if heart disease, bone disease, or depression occurs in family history. Patients should also consult a physician if they have ever had diabetes, liver disease, or eating disorders, such diseases may worsen side effects. Serious side effects include mood changes or depression, quick or severe sunburns, signs of an infection, back or muscle pain, severe headache, vision changes, hearing loss, chest pain, rectal bleeding, or a discoloration of urine and stool. If experiencing any serious side effects while taking Accutane, stop use immediately and consult a dermatologist and physician.

Due to the serious side effects, Accutane produced by Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc., was recalled by the FDA in the United States and is now only available in generic brand forms. People should take precautions prior to taking Accutane generics and understand the full extent of the side effects. To read the FDA’s safety warning on Accutane, click HERE.

If you or a loved one have taken Accutane and experienced any severe reactions or side effects due to the medication, seek legal advice to see if you are a candidate to receive monetary compensation. Call our Professional Personal Injury Attorneys located in Long Beach California for a free legal consultation at (800) 980-6905. The lawyers at Alvandi Law Group are experienced in class action lawsuits. Call today to speak with a professional.