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Accutane Lawyers for Side Effects Like Irritable Bowel Disease IBD

Accutane

Accutane was marketed and sold by Hoffman La Roche Company, Roche Pharmaceuticals and has been the subject of many lawsuits due to its severe side effects. Accutane side effects can include but are not limited to birth defects, spontaneous abortions, and severe gastrointestinal conditions.  In many cases, allegations concerning Roche's failure to warn of these possible side effects have led to jury awards of millions of dollars. 

 

What is Accutane (Isotretinoin)?

Accutane is an oral drug developed by Hoffman LaRoche to treat the most severe forms of acne such as nodule acne.  The drug is prescribed to treat moderate to severe acne that has not responded to other medications.  Accutane includes isotretinoin, a compound related to Vitamin A.  The medication dries up sebum, an oily material made by skin glands, preventing bacteria from growing, which can lead to acne.

 

Generic formulations are available and sold under the brand names:

 

What Are Possible Accutane Side Effects?

 

Accutane acne treatment is associated with both short-term and long-term
side effects that can include:

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

 

Patients taking Accutane may develop gastrointestinal or bowel ailments, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease, an inflammation of the intestine and tearing of the intestinal lining (ulcers).  Inflammatory bowel disease - IBD (which is not the same thing as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS) refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease.  

 

If you experience abdominal pain, recurring diarrhea, rectal bleeding and/or bloody stools, you should stop Accutane treatment right away.  IBD can be a long-lasting disease that can cause severe organ damage.  Some cases may require surgery to remove portions of the colon or intestine.  IBD involves inflammation of the digestive tract.  This inflammation can progress to ulcers, fissures, abscesses, and permanent damage.

 

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

 

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine (colon).  In ulcerative colitis, the inner lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and develops ulcers. This occurs most severely in the rectal area, leading to frequent diarrhea.  Mucus and blood often appear in the stool if colon lining is damaged.

 

What is Crohn's Disease?

 

Crohn's disease differs from ulcerative colitis in the areas of the bowel it involves - it most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine (called the terminal ileum) and parts of the large intestine.  However, Crohn's disease isn't limited to these areas and can attack any part of the digestive tract.  Crohn's inflames much deeper into layers of intestinal wall, generally involving the entire bowel wall, whereas ulcerative colitis affects only the lining of the bowel.

 

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?

 

A less severe type of gastrointestinal illness, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also has been reported by patients taking Accutane.  Though not as serious, IBS can be associated with chronic pain and discomfort.  In IBS the colon spasms or contracts too often.  IBS is painful and can be debilitating. During bouts of diarrhea, there is a health danger from dehydration. IBS does not cause damage to your colon or other internal organs, and is not a generally a life-threatening condition.

 

The symptoms include:

 

IBD has been associated with Accutane use. If you have the symptoms of IBS or have been diagnosed with IBS, but not tested for IBD and you have taken Accutane, please talk to your doctor about IBD testing.

 

Do I Have a Case?

 

If you did take Accutane and have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Hoffmann-La Roche.  There is a period of time allowed between taking the Accutane and making the link to your ulcerative colitis or other side effects.  If you know that you took Accutane, and are wondering if you have ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn's disease, you should contact your doctor and ask him to examine you.

 

So far, there have been only Accutane verdicts favorable to the plaintiffs, although one was overturned by an appeals court.

To contact an experienced Accutane lawyer, please email Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. at info@smslegal.com or call us today.