Accutane Side Effects Earn European Medical Agency More Scorn

A recent editorial published in the medical journal the Lancet, openly questions the European Medicines Agency (EMA) about the refusal to release vital information regarding the dangerous health implications Accutane side effects posed to patients.

With the public trust in jeopardy, the EMA would be doing a great service by disclosing to the public this vital information about the problems associated with Accutane. The EMA has lost much confidence from the public due to their unwillingness to disclose the health risks that have led to lawsuits by patients who were adversely affected by taking this drug.

In contrast, the FDA has increased public awareness regarding the problems with Accutane. Public safety concerns by the FDA have led to published information and a complete pull of the medication from the American market. Unfortunately, the EMA refuses to budge on the issue of the importance of public awareness. Liam Grant, whose son was a victim of Accutane's adverse effects. In 1997, Mr. Grant's son committed suicide as a direct result of taking the prescription medication Accutane. Requesting information regarding Accutane's connection with increasing suicidal tendencies, Mr. Grant was denied access by the EMA. The EMA was using the premise that the general population of the European union were not intelligent enough to understand and properly decipher the information.

Grant sought out the assistance regarding his case from Nikiforos Diamandouros, the European Ombudsman in hopes of improving the transparency of EMA Accutane documents. The EMA will effectively respond to these recommendations regarding transparency rules by July, 31, 2010.

The Lancet editorial stresses to the European public the importance of increasing the transparency of the EMA. The editorial challenges the EMA to take seriously the public's capabilities to understand the dangers of certain medications. The general population is quite capable of comprehending the information and would welcome an open public policy regarding this issue.

Accutane lawsuits have reached nearly 1,000 in number in the United States. The majority of the suits claim that the manufacturers of Accutane failed to properly warn the public of the inherent and well-known dangers of this drug. Many claim health problems, especially bowel disorders, ulcerative colitis, and birth defects have been a direct result of taking Accutane.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects, including ulcerative colitis or additional gastrointestinal disorders, while using 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.

Photo: