Accutane Trial Well Underway

Trials related to the controversial acne medication Accutane, manufactured by Roche, are well underway in New Jersey, with three plaintiffs finally presenting their long-awaited cases. James Marshall, Kelley Andrews, and Gillian Gaghan have all been affected by gastrointestinal disorders that they believe are a result of the once-popular acne medication, which has been discontinued by Roche after allegations of serious side effects began to surface. The drug, which contains the active ingredient isotretinoin, was initially introduced to the pharmaceuticals market as chemotherapy, and was only approved for treatment of severe acne years later.

Accutane lawsuits were consolidated in 2004 in multidistrict litigation, taking place in New Jersey. Over 3,000 lawsuits are currently in the multidistrict litigation case, with each plaintiff hoping for a settlement based on side effects they have suffered as a result of the powerful acne medication’s effects. The three plaintiffs, like many others who have filed suit, have experienced side effects that will likely have an effect on them for years to come.

James Marshall had a promising Hollywood career before developing ulcerative colitis after a second course of Accutane was prescribed to him. His symptoms were so severe that he has undergone the removal of his colon. Marshall will need to consciously control his symptoms for the rest of his life, and his acting career has been cut short due to his condition.

Kelley Andrews developed Crohn’s disease after she was prescribed Accutane at the age of 17. She is now 29 and has been hospitalized several times due to her condition; Andrews has undergone seven serious surgeries intended to help alleviate her symptoms, but will likely have to carefully maintain treatment for the rest of her life. Gillian Gaghan began taking Accutane when she was 22 years old, and first experienced side effects within months. Her symptoms will likely continue for the rest of her life.