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Statistics

Scientists at the National Institute of Health first studied the effects of isotretinoin on people with skin cell disorders in the 1970s. It was by accident that they discovered the chemical worked on patients with severe acne as well. Isotretinoin was registered by Hoffman-La Roche (Roche) in 1979, but not released until later.

Roche pharmaceuticals released isotretinoin as Accutane in the United States in 1982 and in Europe in 1985 as Roaccutane. The drug was released for the treatment of severe acne. Sales of Accutane continued in the United States until June 29, 2009, when production and distribution were halted due to what the company described as a business decision. 

Experts have linked the use of Accutane to severe gastrointestinal conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.  Some experts attribute the discontinuance of Accutane by Roche to decreasing market share as well as the rising costs of defending lawsuits filed by those who suffered from these conditions.

It is important to look for the symptoms associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease in order to get medical help as soon as possible and avoid future complications.  These symptoms include:

  • Blood in feces
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Bowel pain
  • Pain/ difficulty with swallowing
  • Persistent heartburn
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Dark urine 
  • Pain/cramping in stomach, chest or abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

If you have been affected by any of the above after taking Accutane, you may be entitled to compensation for damages, suffering and medical treatment costs.  Time to recover, however, is limited.  Contact us today for a free, confidential evaluation of your case.

During the more than 25 years that Accutane was sold in the U.S., it is estimated it was prescribed to approximately 5 million people.  A majority of these were under the age of 25.

At the time Accutane was discontinued, Roche reported yearly sales of more than $1.2 billion from the drug.

Approximately 5,000 lawsuits have been filed against Roche by people who took Accutane and have been subject to severe side effects. Those who experienced medical conditions after taking the drug have recovered more than $33 million in damages for their medical bills, pain and future costs.


If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious side effect of Accutane, Contact us today for help on locating a doctor, answers to your questions and a free consultation of your legal rights.