Accutane

The most potent acne drug on the market today, Accutane is available only by prescription and typically as a last resort when all other treatment methods have failed, Accutane is highly effective at treating severe acne. Its strong formulation also means that a large percentage of patients experience side effects. Some of these side effects, such as very dry skin, sun sensitivity, and nausea, are relatively manageable.

 

Unfortunately, there also have been incidences of more serious side effects. Accutane has been found to cause serious birth defects, including mental retardation and physical deformities. It can also cause fetal death. Because of the extremely high risk of birth defects for women who are pregnant or become pregnant while on the drug, Accutane patients must agree with their doctors on a pre-prescription pregnancy prevention plan. Accutane has also been linked to cases of depression, psychosis, and suicide. The possible psychological effects of the drug prompted the FDA to revise warning labels and add a separate consent form acknowledging the risk before allowing patients to begin taking the drug.

 

Despite the warning labels and consent forms patients must fill out before taking Accutane, the drug is still responsible for birth defects and suicides. If you, or a loved one, have been harmed by Accutane, please contact us today.