Overprescribing and Intestinal Disorders Lead to Mounting Accutane Lawsuits

(New York, NY, February 9, 2011) The number of lawsuits brought against pharmaceutical giant Hoffman-LaRoche is increasing rapidly, since it was discovered in April 2010 that taking the drug Accutane can bring on serious intestinal disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s Disease. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients who used Accutane were 4 times more likely to develop these disorders than those who were not prescribed the drug. Additionally, it is believed that Accutane was overprescribed when it was on the market. The drug was supposed to treat only the most severe forms of cystic acne, yet it was given to patients who suffered from more mild forms of acne, resulting in billions of dollars in profits for Hoffman-LaRoche, but unnecessary exposure of millions to debilitating intestinal disorders.
Accutane (isotretinoin), first introduced in 1983, was an overwhelmingly successful treatment for severe acne, but was not without significant side effects. Pregnant women were under no circumstances to take the drug, as it could result in serious birth defects. This side effect garnered the most attention, but others were not adequately addressed when the drug became available. Overprescription of Accutane has resulted in millions of cases of intestinal disorders, many of which are completely debilitating. In some cases, patients have had to undergo removal of a significant section of the colon, and in the most serious cases, the entire organ must be removed. Accutane was pulled from the market in 2009, as evidence of the inattention paid to these side effects became clear. At present, there is no cure for any of the disorders associated with Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, or ulcerative colitis. Medications are available to treat symptoms, but many patients suffer from chronic abdominal pain, as well as other life-altering side effects.
Anyone adversely affected by Accutane is encouraged to consult with a physician, then consult qualified legal counsel to discuss seeking compensation from Hoffman-LaRoche for any adverse physical symptoms resulting from having taken Accutane. The Rottenstein Law Group has set up a Web site to address issues relating to Accutane lawsuit settlements.
About the Rottenstein Law Group
The Rottenstein Law Group is a New York-based law firm that represents clients in mass tort actions. The firm was founded by Rochelle Rottenstein, a lawyer with over two decades of experience in compassionate representation of clients in consumer product injury, mass tort, and class action law suits. For more information, please visit their Web site, or call (888) 9-ROT-LAW.

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