Accutane is prescribed by dermatologists for severe forms of acne after conventional treatments prove ineffective. Serious side effects associated with Accutane pose a major health risk and contribute to many medical conditions. Patients taking the medication for an extended length of time may experience liver disease progressing to liver failure. Individuals who have previously taken or are currently taking Accutane must be aware of the potential health hazards including liver failure.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

The liver serves as a filter through which harmful substances are changed for removal and elimination. Numerous medications are metabolized through the liver and as a result may inflict damage by causing the organ lining to build scar tissue. Cirrhosis occurs when the amount of scar tissue exceeds the amount of healthy lining. Repeated damage constitutes repeated repair and the loss of filtering abilities. This condition leads to hepatitis and eventual liver failure. It is important to know the possible signs of liver disease to safeguard health.

Liver Damage Symptoms

Signs associated with liver disease include dark urine, nausea, vomiting, constipation, light colored stools, sudden weight gain or loss, right-sided tenderness and abdominal swelling. Nausea is a common side effect of Accutane; patients experiencing this symptom may be instructed that it is normal or individuals mistakenly believe they have contracted a flu-like virus. In many instances patients seek the advice of a physician after the disease has progressed. Liver damage can result in liver failure. Severe symptoms may not surface until significant damage has occurred and include confusion or other changes in mentation, abdominal maladies with dramatic swelling or fluid retention and jaundice.

Liver Failure

The condition is permanent and cannot be remedied or reversed. The only option is organ transplant. Patients who receive a diagnosis of liver damage have a better prognosis, as the condition is not beyond treatment protocol. Individuals taking Accutane should have liver function monitored through regular blood tests. Patients who have completed Accutane therapy should also have liver function tests performed to check for possible damage incurred by the liver.

Legal Ramifications

Hoffman La Roche, the manufacturer of Accutane, has been subject to many lawsuits regarding health conditions which developed while persons were taking the medication. Patients who have taken or are presently taking Accutane must be aware of all the possible health hazards that are not necessarily confined to the liver. The medication has been linked to many serious illnesses throughout the body including colitis, Crohn’s disease and depression.