Accutane Side Effects More Damaging To Teen Users

Accutane, a form of Vitamin A, was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the most severe and resistant cases of acne. However, a U.S. congressional study eventually found that 90 percent of all prescriptions for the drug and its generic version, Isotretinoin, are for moderate cases. This revelation caused a great deal of controversy due to the Accutane’s long list of mild to severe side effects.

Accutane is prescribed commonly for a reason – it is highly effective as a treatment for even the most severe cases of acne. But these results come with a number of risks as evidenced by the FDA Consumer magazine’s acknowledgement that “as powerful as Accutane can be in improving patients’ lives, the adverse effects can be just as powerful.” The most severe of these side effects include raised liver enzymes that can result in liver damage, clinical depression, and complications in pregnancy such as miscarriages and birth defects.

Most recently, the more than 1,000 lawsuits against Accutane’s manufacturer Hoffman-LaRoche have led to a quiet debate about the trade-off for teenaged users of the drug, between treating moderate to severe acne and the possibility of coping with lifelong gastrointestinal disorders. The conflict bears discussion solely because teenagers have long been common users of Accutane.

Some of the most commonly reported side effects are dryness of skin, lips and mucous membranes, skin fragility and itching, peeling of the skin the lips, headaches, and hair loss. The purpose of the medication is to reduce skin blemishes and damage, but many patients feel that Accutane causes too much damage on its own to be an effective treatment for anything but the most severe cases.

The current conclusion on the drug and its use is that all other treatment methods must be exhausted first. Accutane is a very effective treatment for acne but the side effects are simply too damaging to warrant use of the drug for mild cases. However, one of the greatest problems with Accutane is the mindset of a teenager who is suffering from acne. Many individuals in this group are often embarrassed or even depressed by their condition and will advocate for quickest, most effective way to rid their bodies of acne regardless of the harm that could come from these methods.

Anyone planning to use Accutane should know the potential side effects for this powerful and controversial drug. The benefits can truly be amazing, but the side effects can be absolutely devastating.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects or health complications with Accutane, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with prescription medication. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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