Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is a synthetic form of Vitamin A that was approved by the United States system. However, because of multiple lawsuits, both individual and combined, and after the observed side effects of the medication (hair loss, dry eyes and skin are just the lower level ones), it has become a medication that may have caused more damage than good. The worst possible scenarios after taking Accutane are developing an inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

When it comes to Accutane, lawsuit settlements can reach to unimaginable heights. The numbers, however, are still probably not enough to atone for what the patient has gone through. For example, 25.16 million dollars have been given to a man who had undergone three major surgeries. Early in 2010, a New Jersey jury ordered that 25.16 million dollars should be given in compensation to Andrew McCarrell, of Alabama, another patient who has developed an inflammatory bowel disease. Because of Accutane he had removed almost his entire colon and rectum.

Another man also had most of his colon removed because of the severe after effects of Accutane intake. More than 56 million dollars have been won by plaintiffs across the States. Many towns claim that the numerous birth defects observed within their communities are a result of Accutane intake. If the two cases up are what this medication does to normal, strong men, imagine what it can do to a pregnant woman and her fetus. It is absolutely forbidden for pregnant women to take Accutane because of the known damage that it can cause to an unborn child. However, some women might take Accutane without knowing that they are pregnant and have children born with birth defects. It is unimaginable to think that doctors are still prescribing it.

Most of the many lawsuits versus the Accutane maker Hoffmann - LaRoche Holding AG are being resolved with settlements with the plaintiffs winning millions of dollars. This, however, does not bring anything to anyone else but them since these settlements usually state that no further claims are to be made by the plaintiff, that the information around the trial stays hidden and that Hoffmann - LaRoche shall not accept guilt for any of the injuries and disease developed. If you have taken Accutane and had harmful side effects, it is to your benefit to seek help from an attorney.