Generically referred to as isotretinoin, Accutane® is prescribed in the treatment of severe nodular acne. Made by Hoffman-LaRoche, Accutane® works by decreasing the amount of oil the skin produces. Accutane® (not available today) was only prescribed when all other acne medications failed. In general, Accutane® is taken over a four to five month period; however it may be prescribed for longer periods of time, depending on an individual’s unique situation. To date, more than 5 million Americans have undergone Accutane® treatment.
Accutane® Injuries and Side Effects
Accutane® has been linked to a number of serious, life-threatening side effects, including:
- birth defects
- bone and muscle disorders
- depression
- inflammatory bowel disease and other serious abdominal disorders
- lupus
- problems with hearing and sight
- psychiatric disorders
- serious allergic reaction
- suicidal thoughts or tendencies
Accutane® & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterologypointed out that more than 85 individuals had developing IBD as a direct result of taking Accutane®. Painful and debilitating, inflammatory bowel disease refers to a group of conditions that cause any part of the colon or small intestine to swell and function improperly. While the two most common forms of IBD manifest as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, some less common forms of IBD may include:
- Behçet’s syndrome
- Collagenous colitis
- Diversion colitis
- Indeterminate colitis
- Ischaemic colitis
- Lymphocytic colitis
Symptoms of IBD may include any combination of:
- abdominal pain
- anemia
- bloody stool
- diarrhea
- fever
- loss of appetite
- rectal bleeding
- sudden urgency to have a bowel movement
- vomiting
- weight loss
There is no cure for IBD. Modern treatments involve suppressing the symptoms with various medications (including immuno-suppressant drugs and steroids) and, in the worst cases, surgery.
Compensating the Injured
If you or a loved one has developed IBD and you have a history or taking Accutane®, you will likely have a case against Hoffman-LaRoche, which would entitle you to compensation for your injuries and losses. The seasoned defective drug attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates are available to investigate cases on behalf of people who have suffered serious Accutane® side effects such as inflammatory bowel disease. For information about your specific circumstances and potential claim, contact an Accutane lawyer today.
