Among the many side effects Accutane use has been associated with is damage to the liver. There are reports of Accutane users who have developed clinical hepatitis as well as elevated levels of liver enzymes which can indicate liver damage. It is critical to note that simply discontinuing Accutane use does not necessarily correct this problem, suggesting that whatever liver damage that has occurred may be permanent. Due to the many instances of liver damage in Accutane users, the FDA required Hoffman La Roche to include the following in its Accutane warning labels:
Clinical hepatitis considered to be possibly or probably related to Accutane therapy has been reported. Additionally, mild to moderate elevations of liver enzymes have been observed in approximately 15% of individuals treated during clinical trials, some of which normalized with dosage reduction or [normalized while continuing to take the drug].
The risks associated with taking Accutane are so great that the FDA has taken the remarkable step of requiring each dose of Accutane to come with a Medguide listing these side effects (the only other drugs to ever require a Medguide are Thalidomide and Mifeprex [mifepristone]). The following are quotes directly from the FDA Medguide:
Symptoms [of Accutane usage] may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane.
If you or a loved one have taken Accutane and have experienced any side effects including birth injuries, miscarriages, depression or even suicidal behavior, contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 and see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
