Accutane IBD Settlements

by admin on March 18th, 2011

Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease are continuing to look into their legal options and Accutane IBD settlements to help compensate for their pain and suffering. Since 1982, millions of people have been treated for severe acne with the prescription drug Accutane. This drug was a perennial bestseller until an Accutane recall was announced in 2009. During its final years on the market, it was responsible for over $1 billion in annual sales for the manufacturer Hoffman La Roche. Unfortunately, the drug caused side effects. Many people today are suffering from complications related to Accutane inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

There are several long-term bowel problems associated with Accutane inflammatory bowel disease side effects, one of which is the development of intestinal strictures. These are areas in the intestines that become narrowed, and thus restrict the passage of stools. This occurs when chronic inflammation scars the tissue, causing it to become less flexible. We’ll describe the symptoms of intestinal strictures below, as well as how they are diagnosed and treated.

Symptoms And Complications Of Strictures In The Intestines

It’s worthwhile to make an important distinction. There are two forms of Accutane inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which are defined by inflammation. With Crohn’s, inflammation can penetrate through all layers of the intestinal wall. Consequently, scarring is more likely. Ulcerative colitis is usually limited to the innermost lining. This distinction is noteworthy because it explains why strictures are far more common with Crohn’s disease.

Not everyone who suffers from intestinal strictures realizes they have them. Sometimes, the scarring is slight, and causes minimal narrowing of the bowel. Because stools can pass through easily, symptoms are absent or barely noticeable. Other times, persistent inflammation leads to more extensive scarring. This can cause a significant blockage in the intestine, preventing material from reaching the rectum and anus. The patient will experience abdominal pain and bloating.

On rare occasions, intestinal scarring can cause a near-complete blockage of the bowel. This causes serious complications. The bowel contracts more aggressively in order to move material through the small opening. This results in rising pressure upstream from the blockage. If this circumstance is left unresolved, dilation and perforation of the bowel may result. This will allow stools and other contents to spill into the abdomen, causing infection. Bowel perforations can also lead to the formation of fistulas between the intestines and other organs.

How Strictures Stemming From Accutane IBD Are Diagnosed

Strictures are usually diagnosed with the help of barium. This is a metallic compound with a chalky color that displays clearly on x-rays. If the doctor suspects strictures are present in the small intestine, the patient is asked to drink a liquid containing the barium. The chemical flows down the gastrointestinal tract, and coats the inner wall.

If the doctor suspects narrowing of the colon, the barium is delivered via an enema (through a catheter). This procedure is sometimes called a lower GI series.

When the barium has coated the inner wall of the suspected area, x-rays are taken. The images will reveal portions of the intestines that have become narrowed due to scarring.

Treatment For Intestinal Strictures From Accutane IBD

Treatment may be medical or surgical depending on the presentation and severity of the strictures. For example, when the narrowed passage of the intestinal tract shows signs of inflamed tissue (in addition to scarring), medications may be given to reduce the inflammation. This alone may be sufficient for widening the passage. If only scar tissue is detected, and the narrowing is minimal, the doctor may suggest that the patient make changes to his or her diet.

For more significant blockages, the doctor may be able to widen the narrowed part of the bowel. This is accomplished with instruments that are delivered through an endoscope. While results are positive, they tend to be temporary. More commonly, the section of the intestine is surgically removed.

Accutane Lawsuit Help
Accutane inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition. Aside from invasive surgery, treatment is usually focused on minimizing symptoms rather than resolving the disease. If you have suffered from chronic diarrhea, intestinal strictures, abdominal pain, or other serious Accutane side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Accutane lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your legal options.