Accutane Questions
Q: What is Accutane?
A: Accutane (isotretinoin) is used to treat severe, disfiguring acne.
Q: Who manufactures Accutane?
A: Accutane is made by Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceuticals of Nutley, New Jersey.
Q: When was Accutane approved by the Food and Drug Administration?
A: Accutane was approved for use in patients with severe acne in 1982.
Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not use Accutane due to its serious risk of birth defects.
Q: What side effects are associated with Accutane?
A: Accutane’s most common
side effects include, but are not limited to, bone or joint pain; burning, redness or itching of the eyes; difficulty moving; nosebleeds; irritation of the lips; skin infection or rash.
Q: Have there been reports of suicide among patients taking Accutane?
A: Yes. Since 1983, nearly 50 cases of suicide involving patients who were using Accutane have been reported to the FDA.
Q: How long should I take Accutane?
A: Your doctor will most likely prescribe
Accutane treatment for 15 to 20 weeks. If your condition does not improve over that time, you can usually resume treatment 8 to 10 weeks after completion of your first course.
Q: Should I contact an attorney if I have suffered severe side effects after using Accutane?
A: Perhaps. It may be important for you to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Only a licensed attorney can evaluate whether you have a case that is worth pursuing.
