The FDA [Food & Drug Administration] approved Accutane in 1982. Since the beginning Accutane has filled over 13 million prescriptions. Despite the numerous warnings of Gastrointestinal problems Accutane is still a leading treatment in Acne conditions to date. As with all prescribed drugs there are side effects & warnings that should be taken seriously below is a list of common and mild side effects for Accutane:

Common Side Effects:

Dry/Fragile Skin

Cracked Lips

Dry Nose & mouth

Itching

Joint Pain

Reoccurring Nosebleeds

Mild to Severe Side Effects:

Bowel Inflammation & Pain

Fatigue

Headaches

Stomach & Intestinal Discomfort

Sun Sensitivity

Decreased night vision

Nausea

Vomiting

Urinary Discomfort

Severe & Rare Cases:

In some severe cases optic nerve swelling has been found linked to Accutane. Symptoms linked to Optic Nerve Swelling are:

Headache

Nausea

Visual disturbances

Pressure in the skull

If you think you have any of the following symptoms stop taking Accutane and visit your physician immediately. Though this is a rare side effect of Accutane it has been found in several cases since the drug was placed on the market. Ensuring your safety should be of great importance. Get an evaluation by a licensed physician if you feel your health is at risk.

Pending lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Accutane Roche Corporation alleging that there is a link between Accutane and IBD or [Inflammatory Bowel Disease]. Several lawsuits have been settled with the verdict against the makers of Accutane. However despite the over $33 million in damages that the courts have awarded the plaintiffs in the cases, Roche still continues to say there was no known cause of the IBD in the patients.

In April of 2008 a lawsuit was filed and won by a Florida man who had contracted IBD which was linked to his use of Accutane over a 9 year span. Additionally another lawsuit was filed in November of 2008 involving 3 New Jersey plaintiffs. Their settlement won $13 million dollars. They decided the drug company Roche Holding AG failed to properly warn consumers of the dangers of Accutane. There are still several hundred cases pending against the drug company with other cases involving the link between Accutane and IBD.

When being prescribed new medications it is always wise to do your research. While many physicians take time to pay attention to the warnings of the FDA and other drug regulating corporations they too get busy. Ensuring your safety first should always be a priority.

In this case the Accutane side effects were more severe than the consumers new leading to many complications and unnecessary pain and suffering. Roche Holding AG filed an Accutane recall nationwide after having to pay out continued claims against them for IBD related conditions linked to Accutane.

Accutane has also been linked to several other conditions since including but not limited to: Liver & Kidney disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Ischemic Bowel Colitis, Thyroid Disorders, Central Nervous System injury, and suicidal thoughts & behaviors. The labeling for this drug and many others have been dressed up for your comfort it is up to you to research your medications and ask questions when you don't understand them. After all it is your body.