Accutane Inflammatory Bowel Disease News IBD

by admin on November 1st, 2010

A recent study has confirmed what a number of people have always suspected: there is a connection between the prescription Accutane and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Accutane inflammatory bowel disease problems have affected people throughout the United States and left many with a lifetime of doctor appointments, surgeries and pain and suffering.

Accutane was prescribed from 1982 to 2009, as a way to help rid skin of severe acne. While acne can be inconvenient and slightly embarrassing for some, for others with cystic or nodular acne, outbreaks can be painful and leave permanent scars. When traditional methods, including antibiotics, did not work, doctors prescribed the stronger Accutane. Originally used as a treatment for cancer, Accutane is a retinoid, and is chemically related to Vitamin A.

Over time, news of Accutane side effects began to emerge, most notably the increased risk of birth defects, and an increase in depression and suicidal behavior.

Another side effect that was not as well publicized is the increased risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

As Accutane lawsuits began to increase, the manufacturer, citing economic reasons, recalled the product. The generic form of Accutane, isotretinoin, is still available.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease occurs when inflammation and infection repeatedly occur in the digestive tract. Typically, IBD is comprised of one of two diseases: Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s Disease can affect any area along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, however it usually affects the lower intestine. With this disease, the inflammation may go deep within the tissue of the intestine. In time, the inflammation and resulting scar tissue can cause narrowing of the intestine, leading to bowel obstruction.

Ulcerative colitis is more narrowly located in the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. Ulcers, or sores, form at the site of the infection.

In both illnesses, inflammations flare up, causing pain and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding from infection can lead to weight loss, anemia and, in children, delayed development.

In time, 20 – 40% of patients with Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis will require the removal of all or part of the intestine due to massive bleeding, rupture of the colon or other related illness.

Accutane and IBD

Some users of Accutane have already noticed repeated problems with their digestive systems. The study conducted by a UNC doctor confirmed that a connection existed between Accutane users and the development of IBD.

In his study, Seth Crockett reported that people who took Accutane were nearly two times more likely to develop IBD, and that risk increased the longer the prescription was taken.

Courts of law are beginning to agree as well. A New Jersey jury recently confirmed a previous ruling and granted Accutane user, Andrew McCarrell, $25.16 million in compensatory damages after he developed IBD and had his colon removed. McCarrell argued that Accutane’s maker, Hoffman-LaRoche, did not adequately warn patients of all of the drugs possible side effects.

If you have taken Accutane and have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, you may also be eligible for compensation. We invite you to contact us for a free consultation, where we can discuss your individual situation and options including the latest Accutane lawsuit 2010 news and information.