A New Jersey jury has awarded three Accutane users nearly $13 million after finding that the drug's manufacturer, Hoffman-La Roche, did not warn consumers about the possibility of contracting several forms of bowel disorders including ulceratative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Florida residents prevail in products liability case

According to news reports, three Florida residents, Kelly Mace, Jordan Speisman and Lance Sager - all in their 20's, used Accutane to control their acne. Afterwards, each developed a bowel disorder that led to serious complications. Mace and Sager continue to receive medical treatment for their injuries and now have an increased danger of colon cancer. Speisman must have his colon removed altogether. They filed a lawsuit against Hoffman - La Roche, the drug's manufacturer, alleging that the pharmaceutical giant knew about the side effects of the drug, used primarily by adolescents to treat acne, but failed to warn them. A New Jersey jury agreed and collectively awarded them nearly $13 million in damages.

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Other lawsuits pending

Other lawsuits have been filed against the drug maker for failure to warn consumers about the drug's link to inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. While Hoffman - La Roche maintains that the two are not linked, at least three other juries have disagreed. Last year, a Florida jury awarded an Accutane user $7 million who had to have his colon removed and a New Jersey jury awarded an Accutane user $2.6 million for the injuries he sustained while on the medication. Earlier this year, a Utah jury awarded an Accutane user $10.5 million for the pain and suffering she experienced due to losing her colon as a result of using the drug.

The true number of lawsuits filed against the company is estimated to be well over 500 - and with more multi-million jury verdicts against the company, legal experts say that Hoffman - La Roche may have an uphill battle defending these lawsuits in the future.

If you've been injured due to Accutane use, contact an experienced products liability attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. As always, consultations are free of charge, without obligation and are strictly confidential.