Accutane® (isotretinoin) is a potent drug to treat severe nodular acne. After its approval in 1982, it became obvious that the side effects were so numerous and dangerous its manufacturer, Roche Pharmaceuticals, stopped making the drug in June of 2009. The company said it stopped making the drug for financial reasons.

The package insert that Roche included with Accutane read, "Because of significant adverse effects associated with its use, Accutane should be reserved for patients with severe nodular acne who are unresponsive to conventional therapy, including systemic antibiotics."

Accutane® Side Effect: Depression

"Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide, and aggressive and/or violent behaviors." This statement appeared on the package insert provided with the drug

In July 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned doctors to closely monitor all their patients taking Accutane® for symptoms of depression or thoughts of suicide. A warning label provided with the drug said suicidal thoughts or actions associated with using Accutane® were a concern.

Symptoms of depression doctors were told to watch for included:

• Sadness
• Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping
• Problems with concentration
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Decreased pleasure in sports or social activities
• Problems with concentration
• Moodiness
• Aggression
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Irritability

Accutane® Side Effect: Hair Loss

Thinning hair or hair loss is reported by the Cleveland Clinic to be among the less common side effects of taking Accutane®. There are many anecdotal reports of people taking Accutane® and experiencing hair loss.

Long Term Side Effects of Accutane®

Accutane has the potential to cause many serious permanent or long-term Accutane side effects. These may include:

• Loss of vision
• Loss of ability to see in dark
• Hearing loss
• Ischemic colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn's disease
• Colitis
• Colon cancer
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Severe birth defects that include
• Hydrocephaly
• Microcephaly
• Mental retardation
• Severe abnormalities of the eyes and ears
• Cleft palate
• Other facial abnormalities
• Severe heart defects
• Miscarriage
• Halting growth of long bones in teenagers who are still growing
• Muscle damage or weakness
• Blood sugar problems, including diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Get Legal Help

If you or someone you love has experienced side effects from taking Accutane®, you might want to contact an Accutane® recall lawyer. The manufacturer has paid victims of Accutane®'s side effects millions of dollars in damages caused by the powerful and toxic drug. You can reach an Accutane® recall attorney by calling us today.