Acne affects people of all ages, and treatments for the condition vary based on type and severity. While some people can manage their acne with over-the-counter solutions, those who do not experience relief from those options sometimes opt for more intensive treatments such as prescription medications. Patients often report success with these drugs, but some unknowingly took on an increased risk of serious side effects and suffered medical injuries as a result.
If you or your child took a medication for acne that caused a serious medical condition, our attorneys can help you seek compensation. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to discuss your case with our legal team today.
Types of Treatments Available for Acne
Los Angeles doctors recommend many different types of treatment for acne. Patient age, goals, and acne severity play a role in the kinds of medications your doctor may prescribe, and some carry specific risks that the patient should consider before choosing a treatment option.
In addition to drugs created specifically for acne, patients can use other medications for off-label use to treat their acne. This means that the pharmaceutical company did not design the drug for acne, but research demonstrates its effectiveness for the condition. Doctors should exercise caution while prescribing medications for off-label use and make sure to inform the patient of all known risks.
Patients may also hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to disclose medication risks, and a Los Angeles acne drug lawyer can help them pursue their case.
Topical Solutions
The Mayo Clinic lists many types of treatment options available to acne sufferers, including topical solutions. Often produced in the form of a cream or a gel, patients use topical treatments alone or in combination with other medications to help kill bacteria and prevent the plugging of hair follicles. These types of treatments may include:
- Retinoids and drugs similar to retinoids
- Antibiotic creams in combination with benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic and azelaic acids
- Dapsone
Patients can purchase some treatments, such as face washes with salicylic acid, in drugstores, while others require a prescription from a doctor.
Oral Medications
For individuals with moderate to severe acne, doctors may prescribe oral medications to provide relief. Female sufferers often take combination birth control, which contains both estrogen and progesterone, to balance hormonal issues that contribute to acne. Practitioners may also recommend oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline or macrolide, to control bacteria and decrease inflammation. When female patients do not find success with these options, doctors may recommend a strong drug called spironolactone to control how certain hormones affect sebaceous glands.
As a last resort, doctors may recommend isotretinoin, a strong acne medication with many side effects. Accutane, a popular isotretinoin that the manufacturer removed from the market in 2009, received negative attention for its dangerous adverse effects and the many lawsuits the company faced after its release. Isotretinoin drugs available now include Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret.
If an oral acne medication caused you to suffer severe side effects, a Los Angeles acne drug lawyer can help you seek financial awards.
Therapeutic Options
Other treatment options for acne include minimally invasive therapies administered on or near the surface of the skin. Some patients use therapeutic treatments on their own, while others prefer to combine them with medications. They include laser therapy, chemical peels, and manual extraction.
Dangers Associated with Certain Acne Medications
Every medication carries risks, and patients must remember to consult with their physicians, research treatment options, and read all product inserts before taking a medication. However, researchers regularly uncover unknown dangers of prescription drugs, and some doctors may not consider certain risks when prescribing drugs for off-label use. If you believe that your acne medication caused your medical condition and you did not receive adequate information about the drug to make an informed decision, you may qualify for compensation. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm online today about your free case evaluation.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics, including those prescribed for acne, may put patients at an increased risk for a dangerous medical condition called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). A Pharmacy Times article notes that common macrolides such as azithromycin and erythromycin contribute to a higher risk of the disease, which may begin with a flu-like illness. Eventually, the patient often experiences painful rashes and blisters. If the skin becomes infected, it can cause serious complications, including:
- Blindness
- Respiratory failure
- Permanent skin damage
- Sepsis
- Death
SJS requires emergency medical treatment to control its progression and protect the patient from potentially life-threatening infections. If you believe that you developed SJS as a result of your acne medication, a Los Angeles acne drug lawyer can help you determine if you have a case.
Birth Control
One of the known side effects of birth control, blood clots occur more commonly in users aged 35 and over or who smoke. However, according to Healthline, doctors prescribe certain birth control brands, such as Yaz and Yasmin, to control acne in patients aged 14 and up. These brands contain a synthetic estrogen called drospirenone, which carries an increased risk of blood clots. Blood clots present a serious health hazard when they dislodge and travel to the lungs, where they can decrease blood flow and oxygen levels in the blood, causing serious respiratory issues or even death.
Isotretinoin
Used to treat severe cases of acne, isotretinoin has high success rates. However, its extensive side effects make it particularly dangerous, and patients who take isotretinoin drugs must participate in an FDA-approved risk management program to ensure that the drug’s benefits outweigh the risks in each case. The adverse effects of isotretinoin drug Amnesteem may include:
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Decreased bone density
- Hepatitis
- Pancreatitis
- Blood clots
- Hearing and vision impairment
- Suicide
For a free legal consultation with a Acne Drug Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help You Build Your Case
If you or your child suffered a serious medical injury or illness as a result of taking a prescribed acne medication, the attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you pursue financial awards and hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence or unlawful acts. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay us any fees unless we achieve compensation for you. Contact us today at (800) 794-0444 to start building your case with our legal team.
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