Accutane® Information
Accutane® is a powerful acne medicine that was intended to treat only the most severe instances of nodulocystic acne. Over the years, Accutane® information has shown that it can cause some serious side effects that could affect users for their entire lives.
When Accutane® hit the market, it was acknowledged as the most effective treatment for the severe, scarring form of acne. And of course, it quickly became the most popular acne treatment and Hoffmann-La Roche's top-selling product. Before it was pulled from the U.S. market in 2009, Accutane® was prescribed to more than 16 million people.
How Accutane® Works
Accutane® reduces sebum production by reducing the size of the actual sebaceous gland. This reduced level of sebum production that Accutane® creates is not a permanent effect in most instances but will vary depending on the Accutane® patient, in addition to the dosage and length of Accutane® treatment received. Bacteria normally lives in sebum, so as a natural result of the decreased level of sebum the bacteria level is also reduced.
Accutane® clears the pathway for sebum to travel to the skin so it does not get stuck in the follicle by preventing the abnormal shedding and sticking of cells inside the sebaceous follicle. Most Accutane® patients will be happy to find this aspect of Accutane® therapy remains even after the treatment is complete. Some severe acne cases can have very uncomfortable inflammatory effects that Accutane® can help relieve as well.
Accutane® Dangers
Despite the drug being a hit for clearing acne, it has been linked to the development of severe side effects, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, severe birth defects and depression and suicide. Thousands of people have filed suit against Hoffmann-La Roche, charging the company of withholding important information about the potential dangers of the drug.
Because of how many people have been treated with Accutane® and its generic versions, the potential number of injuries is huge. The company has already paid out millions of dollars to plaintiffs.
Contact an Accutane® Attorney
If you or someone you love has suffered because of the Accutane® side effects, you should seek legal help from an experienced Accutane® attorney. Call today or send us an email to schedule a free consultation.