Solodyn is a tetracycline antibiotic prescribed to treat acne. Like many drugs, it has a number of potentially harmful side effects that can lead to death. 

Instead of promoting healthier skin, Solodyn can cause the skin to turn unnatural colors, sometimes permanently. It can also trigger a fatal allergic reaction known as DRESS syndrome (Drug Reaction Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms ), a severe reaction to certain medications that can destroy organs and cause death. Despite knowledge of the connection between Solodyn and DRESS for years, the drug’s label did not warn of this serious risk until March 2011. This failure by the manufacturer to adequately warn doctors and patients left people unable to decide if it was worth risking the drug’s dangers to treat a condition that is only cosmetic in nature.

Serious side effects can include:
• Skin irritation and rash
• Skin discoloration
• Hair loss
• Kidney failure

Severe allergic reaction, including DRESS, which affects several organ systems including:
   • Heart
   • Kidneys
   • Liver

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Faintness

Dangerous Allergies

The Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer recently represented the family of a 17-year-old girl who lost her life as a result of taking Solodyn. The girl, a socially active, standout high school student, developed DRESS after taking Solodyn for her acne. She was hospitalized for several months as she bravely fought for her life, but eventually succumbed to the disease, which affected multiple organ systems in her body.

After she became ill, doctors told her to stop taking Solodyn. But what went undiscovered was that she was suffering from DRESS. Minocycline, the active ingredient in Solodyn, is on a short list of drugs known to cause DRESS, but the drug’s label did not warn of this danger at the time it was prescribed to the teen. Her dermatologist said he would not have prescribed it to her if he knew of this danger.

Brian Witzer was able to win the family a substantial settlement from the manufacturer to recover the expenses they incurred and compensate them for their grief and suffering. Nothing can change the fact, however, that a promising, young life was lost due to a drug that lacked a proper warning label.

Get Help

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer are committed to seeking justice for people and families affected by the dangers associated with Solodyn or minocycline in any form. Until March 2011, the drug’s label did not warn that the product is linked to a potentially fatal illness.

If you or a loved one were harmed as a result of taking Solodyn or Minocycline (the generic form of Solodyn) you deserve compensation for your suffering and expenses, and the attorneys at the Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer will do everything possible to make sure you get it.

Contact the Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer today by calling (888) WITZER-6 for a free, no-obligation consultation.