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Accutane, often referred to as isotretinion, has been helpful for dealing with severe cases of acne, cystic acne, and other related skin issues. Unfortunately, this drug has been connected to a number of grave side effects, which in many cases includes depression, suicide, and birth defects. Doctors and researches have confirmed link between taking Accutane and increasing the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, as well as many similar disorders connected to the gastrointestinal system. 

Acne Medicine Causes Grave Side Effects

Even though the Accutane manufacturer, Hoffman-LaRoche Pharmaceuticals, has withdrawn their distribution of the drug in the United States, there are still a large amount of individuals still experiencing considerable health issues related to taking Accutane. Accutane has been known to cause a variety of side effects: several major side effects include birth defects, mental health issues, muscular dystrophy, and many others. An accretion of evidence has made an obvious link, which claims that the use of Accutane is directly related to ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Crohn’s disease. The following is a short list of some of the symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease: abdominal cramping, bloating and diarrhea, either bloody or transparent, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In the event that Crohn’s disease becomes extremely grave, sufferers might also experience symptoms including anal abscesses or highly frequent bowel movements, oftentimes as many as 20 times each day. Moreover, systemic systems have also been known to take place: arthritis, joint pain, malnutrition, stunted growth, skin lesions, fevers, and eye damage.

Seeger Weiss Leads Fight for Victims of Accutane

In 2005, Seeger Weiss partners Christopher Seeger and Dave Buchanan were jointly named to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in connection with consolidated litigation against New Jersey based Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc., involving the company’s acne medication, Accutane. The mass tort litigation, which came before the Honorable Carole E. Higbee in Atlantic County, involved the consolidation of claims throughout the state of New Jersey alleging severe side effects resulting from the use of Accutane, including birth defects; suicidal impulses among young adults; and IBD, including Chrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, a debilitating and life-altering disease with no known cure. 

To date, Mr. Buchanan—who, with Seeger Weiss partner Christopher Seeger, served as liaison counsel for the New Jersey coordinated proceedings in the Accutane litigation—has served as co-trial counsel in the three cases tried in New Jersey that involved Accutane-related injuries, all of which resulted in verdicts for the Plaintiff. One, McCarrell v. Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., in New Jersey Superior Court, Atlantic County, resulted in a $26.16 million verdict for the Plaintiff, an Alabama resident who suffered IBD from using Accutane. Seeger Weiss partner Michael Rosenberg also served on the trial team in that case. Another, Kendall v. Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., in the same court, resulted in a verdict for the Plaintiff, a Utah woman who suffered the same ailment from using Accutane, of nearly $10.6 million. The third, a consolidated trial for Mace v. Hoffmann LaRoche Inc., Speisman v. Hoffmann LaRoche Inc., and Sager v. Hoffmann LaRoche Inc., garnered a $12.9 million award from the New Jersey jury in November 2008.

Accutane Manufacturers Take Dangerous Drug Off the Shelves

Hoffmann LaRoche had at first denied the obvious connections to Accutane and a host of gastrointestinal disorders, as well as certain psychological disorders. But after many health officials had insisted on the negative effects of the drug, Hoffmann LaRoche tried to evade responsibility. After the FDA was finally notified about the harmful effects of Accutane, the company ignored the obvious connection and continues to advertise the product as safe and effective. The FDA forced Hoffman LaRoche to place increasingly severe labels on the product, and LaRoche eventually withdrew the drug from the American market.

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Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know has taken Accutane and suffered adverse side effects, contact a doctor immediately. If you feel that you may need legal representation in this matter or are interested in more information on Accutane litigation, please contact us, online or by toll-free phone and an experienced attorney with Seeger Weiss LLP will assist you in evaluating your case concerning Accutane. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Oklahoma and California.