In February 2002, Roche added to the Accutane label stronger language regarding possible psychiatric problems, and funded a brochure entitled "Recognizing Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Guide for Prescribers of Accutane (isotretinoin)." Roche continues to maintain that there is no mental health concern surrounding Accutane.

Alternatives to Accutane

The Accutane patent expired in February 2002. On November 11, 2002 Genpharm announced that the FDA had approved its isotretinoin product. Bertex Pharmaceuticals markets the drug under the name brand Amnesteem, and it carries much the same warnings as those that accompany Accutane. By February 2003, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. began selling isotretinoin under the brand name Sotret. Each manufacturer has its own controlled distribution system, and requires sticker warnings on the prescription prior to dispensing. On April 11, 2003 generic isotretinoin from Barr Laboratories was approved by the FDA, to be marketed as Claravis.

Get Help Now

While almost all medications have some anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer has a duty to adequately inform physicians regarding the known risks associated with its drugs. If a manufacturer fails to do so, it can be held responsible to patients who are injured as the result of inadequate warnings, under a legal theory known as "product liability".

If you or a loved one have taken Accutane and experienced any unusual side effects or suffered injury, you should contact a physician for proper medical attention. Your next step should be to contact an experienced attorney, who will assess and protect your legal rights.

Go here to learn more about an attorney's role in a product liability case.

Click here to find an experienced product liability attorney near you.

More information:

• Accutane - Recognizing Psychiatric Disorders
• Accutane - Birth Defects
• Why Drugs Get Pulled from the Market
• Pharmaceutical Product Liability