Access To Justice

A study released earlier this month could lead to the complete withdrawal of already problematic acne medication Accutane (isotretinoin). The latest study indicated that users of the medication have over four times the risk of developing ulcerative colitis and nearly twice the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease than people who have never used the drug.  Presenting their findings at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in San Diego, researchers from UNC Chapel Hill described inflammatory bowel diseases [[related to the drug]] that sometimes require surgery. Though the latest problem to plague Accutane, they’re not the only issue; other side effects include liver toxicity, elevated cholesterol, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and increased sun sensitivity.

In June, 2009, Roche Holding took Accutane off the market. With these mounting issues, how does the generic form stay on the market?  In 2005, the FDA launched a program requiring patients, doctors, and pharmacies to join a risk-management registry.  In addition, women who take the drug must use two forms of birth control and submit to monthly pregnancy tests.  The only other medication that requires such a registry is thalidomide.

Though Roche has pulled Accutane from the market, plaintiffs have already won an estimated $33 million in judgments against Roche for their bowel disorders.  What should you do if you’re suffering from both acne and such side effects of treatment?  Sokolove has a wealth of additional information to share with you.