Accutane Lawsuit Settlement Prevents Criminal Charges For Roche

Accutane, a medication commonly prescribed to control severe acne, was pulled from the market last year after hundreds of lawsuits were filed, dealing with health threats and side effects that were reported over the last 20 years. Despite several criminal complaints, the medication remains available in Canada, and in generic form in the United States.

Hoffman-LaRoche and Roche Laboratories have been engaged in lawsuits brought about by Jason Peipert, as well as other plaintiffs that eventually settled out of court. Mr. Peipert was allegedly prescribed Accutane in the late 1990s by Dr. Daniel Goran. Mr. Peipert filed suit against Hoffman-LaRoche, Roche Laboratories and Dr. Goran in 2003, alleging that Accutane caused him to develop inflammatory bowel disease. After several successful settlements with other plaintiffs by Hoffman-LaRoche, Mr. Peipert still refused settlement and had his trial date set for 2007. The case was delayed several times with additional settlement attempts before finally proceeding in April of 2010.

Mr. Peipert alleged that Dr. Goran was guilty of negligence in prescribing the acne medication, claiming that the drug's defects were responsible for Peipert's inflammatory bowel disease. As part of the Accutane inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) claim, a Circuit Court judge planned to hear various arguments in favor of a settlement for Peipert as the plaintiff. However, according to the record, Dr. Goran settled just prior to the trial date in April. Circuit Court Judge David Hylla had previously urged all parties to return to mediation during a pre-trial conference in February. Judge Hylla referenced the age of the proceeding and merits of the case. Roche defendants ultimately settled with Peipert following mediation with Madison County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Stack in March of 2010 prior to the scheduled trial date.
 
Peipert agreed to drop all legal action against Roche for their distribution of Accutane resulting in payment of an undisclosed amount of money. Roche evaded any criminal charges surrounding the case as well. Roche has, however, lost the last six court cases involving patients taking Accutane. The company has paid $56 million to patients who were harmed by unwanted side effects caused by the acne medication. Patients prescribed Accutane are still encouraged to contact attorneys if they are suffering from any of the side effects resulting from the drug’s defects prior to 2009 when the Accutane brand was still available in the U.S.

One of the biggest Accutane cases, involving a patient from New Jersey, cost the company $26 million. When the manufacturer took the drug off the market last year, it cited increased competition from generics as the reason for its decision.

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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