Accutane Lawsuit Class Action

by admin on January 7th, 2011

Currently there is no single Accutane lawsuit class action. Looking for news about filing an Accutane lawsuit for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis? If you have taken the prescription medicine Accutane, or its generic form of isotretinoin, you may be at increased risk of developing a serious gastrointestinal illness. Patients are continuing to file individual claims based on suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is one of two conditions that make up Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It affects the digestive tract, and can occur anywhere from the mouth, to the intestines, to the anus. The disease is comprised of repeated inflammations and infections, primarily in the lower intestine. These flare-ups can cause pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and anemia. Scientists believe that Crohn’s Disease may be related to the immune system, so other areas of the body may be affected as well. Patients with Crohn’s Disease may also develop arthritis, eye and skin problems.

As Crohn’s progresses, the infections can develop deeper into the tissue, creating perforations or fistulas, which are abnormal openings in the tissue wall. Inflammations and the resulting scar tissue can narrow the intestine, creating blockages. Ultimately, nearly one third of the people with Crohn’s Disease require part or all of their intestine removed.

Unfortunately, Crohn’s Disease cannot be cured, but doctors try to manage the symptoms and prevent the flare-ups from occurring.

Accutane and Crohn’s Disease

Accutane is a medicine that was seen as an effective way to treat severe acne—acne that was resistant to standard treatments, including antibiotics. Accutane is a type of drug called a Retinoid, which is a derivative of vitamin A. It acts by controlling how cells grow and differentiate from each other, so it can help slow the way that pimples form.

First introduced in 1982, Accutane has been used by 13 million people worldwide. But Accutane users also began to develop problems with the medication. Accutane users were warned not to become pregnant while on the drug, because it could cause birth defects. They were warned that the drug could increase the risk of depression and suicidal behaviors.

Another warning that was not as predominantly given was that Accutane users were more likely to develop Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis—the two mainstays of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Accutane Lawsuit

Many Accutane users feel that the manufacturer of Accutane, Hoffman-LaRoche, did not provide a strong enough warning to doctors and patients about the potential dangers of Accutane side effects as it relates to Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. These patients have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer.

In a recent court case, one Accutane user was awarded over $25 million dollars because of the damage the medicine did to him. After taking Accutane in his 20s, Andrew McCarrell developed Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Eventually, his colon was removed.

Other Accutane users have been awarded verdicts totaling $56 million, with more lawsuits pending. Although Accutane is no longer on the market, its generic form is still available. Have you been diagnosed with chronic digestive problems such as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis after taking Accutane? You may be eligible for compensation. Call for a free consultation and we can discuss your specific situation and help determine your legal options. We are currently representing clients in bringing individual Accutane litigation claims instead of Accutane lawsuit class action claims.