Accutane

In the early 1980s, Hoffman-La Roche developed a new drug to treat severe acne conditions that would not respond to antibiotic treatments. Accutane was considered a breakthrough against acne and has been prescribed to millions world-wide. However, over the last 20 years, patients who took Accutane have suffered a wide variety of terrible side-effects from the drug, including birth defects to their children, miscarriages and multiple central nervous and digestive system problems. In addition, Accutane has recently become known for the number of patients who have committed suicide or developed serious psychological instabilities while taking the drug. Hoffman-La Roche knew about potential side-effects even before the drug was released on the market. It is only recently that the FDA has forced Hoffman-La Roche to create Accutane warning labels that accurately list the potential side-effects.

Wreckage From the Cessna 172 Aircraft Piloted by a Suicidal Teen

The potential danger of Accutane became highly publicized when Republican Congressman Bart Stupaks 17-year-old son committed suicide. Bart Stubak Jr., shot himself in the head in May of 2000. Stupak says his sons suicide may be linked to his use of Accutane. Congressman Stupak was quoted saying "The average time is 88 days from when you start taking it, and the effect is very sudden.... You are doing strange things at 3 a.m. and you are dead at 7 a.m."

The image you see to the left is believed to be a direct result of Accutane. On January 5, 2002, Charles Bishop, a 15-year-old boy stole a small single engine plane and crashed it into the Bank of America building in Tampa, Florida. He was an honor student and his friends described him as a "nice guy". His prescription to the drug Accutane is belived to be the cause. The New York Times reported that in 2002, doctors reported 94 suicides in the U.S. by Accutane users or recent users and another 257 who were hospitalized with extreme depression or attempted suicide.

• Birth Defects
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn's Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disorder
• Rectal Bleeding
• Abdominal Pain
• Premature Closure of Growth Plates
• Dessicated Discs
• Organ Damage
• Optic Neuritis
• Central Nervous System Injuries
• Bone and Muscle Loss
• Cardiovascular Injuries
• Liver and Kidney Damage
• Pancreatitis
• Immune System Disorder
• Lupus
• Hearing and Vision Damage
• Thyroid Disorders
• Suicidal Behavior

• Information on Accutane by the FDA
• FDA Medication Guide for Accutane

• The Seattle Times : Health Defects linked to acne drug...
• HoustonChronicle.com : Doctors weigh risk of medication during pregnancy...