Know the Latest - Breaking News on the Acne Drug Accutane

Accutane has serious side effects. Here you can follow breaking news stories about the drug and the ongoing litigation that surrounds it. If you feel you may have a legal case surrounding Accutane use, please contact the Weitz & Luxenberg client relations department. You can fill out this simple form, call us at 1 (800) 476-6070, or email us at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

Link between Accutane and depression seen in animal study

A link between Accutane and depression has been found in a study by scientists at the University of Bath, England, and the University of Texas, USA.

The researchers gave adolescent mice Accutane for six weeks, observing their behavior. They found that the mice spent a lot more time motionless--a sign of depression.

The head researcher, Dr. Sarah Bailey, said that further tests are needed to be completely sure their observations could be applied to humans taking Accutane.

Too Hard to Take

Virtually no one opposes the goal of the mandatory new federal program governing the use of Accutane: to prevent pregnant women from taking the potent acne drug, approved in 1982, because it causes serious birth defects.

That is where the consensus about the unusually restrictive six-month-old program known as iPledge ends. The program requires registration of all parties: wholesalers who sell it, pharmacists who dispense it, doctors who prescribe it and, above all, patients who take the drug.

Public health officials say such strict regulation is necessary because years of progressively stronger voluntary programs failed to prevent pregnancy in users of the medicine, a treatment of last resort for severe scarring acne.

But patients and their dermatologists complain that the rules of iPledge are onerous and unworkable. Some doctors say they have spent hours on hold trying to reach the iPledge call center to straighten out problems with a patient's prescription.

IPledge supporters acknowledge problems with the mechanics of the program, but say it serves an essential purpose.

Accutane raises potential for heart, liver problems more than expected

August 21, 2006 (wkyc.com)

Accutane, the powerful acne drug already known to cause birth defects, has now been found in a new study to raise the risk for potential heart and liver problems more than doctors had expected. The study is based on lab tests on more than 13-thousand patients taking the medication.

Abnormal results for cholesterol and liver function were more common than expected.

Researchers say that taking the drug does not necessarily guarantee future heart or liver problem, and that most patients' abnormal lab tests returned to normal when they quit taking the drug.

Acne Med May Trigger Bowel Disease

August 15, 2006 (Reuters)

A study now confirms that people taking the acne drug Accutane (isotretinoin) appear to run an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, US researchers report.

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, includes Crohn's disease and a similar condition called ulcerative colitis. Accutane was first approved for acne in the US in 1982, and numerous cases have surfaced linking the drug to IBD. Until now, a systematic review of the association had not been conducted.

Between 1997 and 2002, a total of 85 isotretinoin-related cases of IBD were reported. In just four cases, isotretinoin was graded as a "highly probable" cause of the IBD, while in 58 cases it was deemed a "probable" cause, and in 23 cases it was seen as a "possible" cause. The link between isotretinoin use and IBD was never graded as "doubtful".

Prescribing Accutane should be considered carefully by doctors for people with a prior personal history or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, or who have symptoms suggesting the possibility of IBD.

Accutane Registry Created to Help Prevent Birth Defects

January 4th, 2006 (kpho.com)

A long-awaited national registry has begun accepting the names of Americans who take the acne-fighting drug Accutane, part of a federal effort to limit its use by pregnant women because the medication has a high risk of birth defects.

Doctors, wholesalers and pharmacies had until Friday to register with the computerized "iPledge" registry if they want to continue prescribing or selling Accutane and any of the three generic versions of the drug, known as isotretinoin. Generic versions are sold as Amnesteem, Claravis or Sotret, the Associated Press reported.

Acne drug users must report on birth control

August 22nd, 2005 (sltrib.com)

The drug is a powerful solution for chronic acne, but it also causes severe birth defects in infants exposed to it during pregnancy. While previous regulations required girls and women taking Accutane to also use two forms of birth control, pregnancies still occur - which has led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to announce even stricter rules.

If you take Accutane, Feds Will Be Watching

August 12th, 2005 (chron.com)

Federal regulators on Friday unveiled a high-tech system to restrict distribution of Accutane, a drug that has been particularly effective against severe acne but has long been known to cause birth defects and is now being studied for a possible connection to the suicides of teens.

Patients, doctors, pharmacists, wholesalers and manufacturers all will be required by the Food and Drug Administration to enroll and participate in an Internet-based tracking system primarily designed to ensure that women don't get pregnant while taking Accutane.

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis, Skin Troubles and Cures

February 24, 2005 (www.expressnewsline.com)

There is little else known about this disease. I was diagnosed with this disease about three years ago. Until then I was told my warts were everything from lichen Plantis to venereal warts. I was diagnosed with lupus, but three years ago a doctor at the VA in Dallas made the diagnosis of EV. I currently am being treated with Accutane, Efudex, and Aldera. I also have had numerous surgeries. I am very interested in this disease and the research being done on it. I am very excited about the finding of the locus believed to be defective and causing this disease. I hope that one day a cure will be found, because the likelihood of my kids having this disease is high.

Parenting: Pimples

February 22, 2005 (www.kfoxtv.com)

Accutane, the drug used for acne, has a checkered reputation. The government has attached warnings to this powerful drug, outlining side effects which include birth defects and a possible link to suicide. When it comes to more common skin flare-ups, our health experts offer their advice about this drug and other available care.

Acne drug helps, hurts

February 17, 2005 (technicianonline.com)

Accutane (Isotretinoin), a prescription medication manufactured by Hoffman-La Roche, has been used to eliminate severe acne in its users since 1982. However, the impressive efficacy of this drug comes with a plethora of risks and officially-documented side effects. Lately, the drug's role in contributing to teenage depression and suicidal 'ideation' has entered several public forums, including the halls of the U.S. Congress.

Accutane Files Kept Secret

January 29, 2005 (www.theledger.com)

A federal judge refused Friday to make public as many as one million documents produced by the makers of Accutane, rejecting a request that lawyers suing the acne drug's makers said was needed as its safety comes under increased scrutiny.

Judge keeps Accutane records secret as lawsuits over acne drug

January 28, 2005 (www.canada.com)

Lawyers suing the makers of Accutane over allegations the acne drug increases the risk of suicide cannot share the company's internal memos and other documents with the public or federal regulators, a judge ruled Friday.

Grieving father spends $1 million nest egg to investigate Accutane

January 26, 2005 (www.usatoday.com)

So sure he's spent roughly $1 million of his retirement nest egg on scientific research examining the effects of Accutane, the acne drug manufactured by Roche.

For more information about potential legal claims surrounding Accutane use, please contact the Weitz & Luxenberg client relations department. You can
fill out this simple form, call us at 1 (800) 476-6070, or email us at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

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see also:

July 2009 Update Free lawsuit review for those injured by Accutane; drug sold by Roche
Roche announces decision to pull Accutane from sale in the U.S.

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News and Warnings Accutane - Important News and Warnings you should know about
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