Accutane Lawsuit Crohns

by admin on December 22nd, 2010

Patients suffering from bowel disease are continuing to file Accutane lawsuit Crohn’s disease claims. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two of the most serious Accutane side effects. Both are inflammatory bowel diseases that are regarded as incurable. Both can cause diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and other symptoms. While there is no known cure for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (outside the removal of the colon and rectum), both disorders are treatable.

The main goal of treating these two forms of IBD is to minimize the severity of intestinal inflammation since most Accutane side effects stem from it. In some cases, treatment can successfully cause the disorders to go into remission. When this happens, further treatment can be given to reduce the likelihood of a flare-up.

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are treated using a variety of medications. Occasionally, surgery is performed, though it is approached differently for each disorder. We’ll cover these treatment options in more detail below.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

As their name suggests, this class of drugs is used to control the inflammation that characterizes IBD. Examples include sulfasalazine, mesalamine, balsalazide, and various corticosteroids. Sulfasalazine is more effective for ulcerative colitis than Crohn’s disease, but may still be given for the latter disorder. The downside of taking it is that it can cause several side effects, including diarrhea and nausea.

Mesalamine and balsalazide are given for both Accutane Crohn’s disease problems and ulcerative colitis, though balsalazide has been shown to occasionally worsen ulcerative colitis. While both medications may cause side effects, they are less likely than those resulting from sulfasalazine. The medications can be taken in pill form or in the form of a suppository.

Corticosteroids are effective for reducing inflammation in the intestinal tract, and providing a respite from IBD symptoms. They also produce results quickly. The drawback is that they pose several side effects. For example, some people have experienced high blood pressure, cataracts, and osteoporosis. They also seem more vulnerable to infection. For these reasons, when these medications are taken, it is rarely for more than a few months.

Immunosuppressive Drugs

As with anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive medications attempt to minimize inflammation within the intestinal tract. However, rather than targeting inflammation directly, they suppress the body’s immune system. These medications are given when the previous class of drugs fails to reduce the patient’s symptoms. In the case of corticosteroids, immune system suppressors are given when the former must be stopped following extended use.

Examples of immunosuppressive drugs include cyclosporine, azathioprine, and infliximab. Cyclosporine is usually reserved for severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease. This can include patients suffering from Crohn’s disease who have developed fistulas in the intestinal tract. The benefit of this drug is that it is very effective. The downside is that it can cause dangerous side effects, such as severe infections, seizures, and kidney damage.

Azathioprine is an effective immune system suppressor, though it requires a few months to begin showing results. It is one of the most commonly used medications in this class. It, too, can produce serious side effects, such as inflammation in the pancreas. Azathioprine also poses a slight risk of cancer.

Infliximab is usually given for Crohn’s disease, but may also be used in severe cases of ulcerative colitis. The drug interacts with a specific protein in the bloodstream, and prevents it from contributing to inflammation.

Surgical Procedures

Surgery is more effective for resolving ulcerative colitis than Crohn’s disease. The reason is because the former is usually limited to the colon and rectum. Both can be removed via a procedure called proctocolectomy. Because Crohn’s disease can affect the entire digestive tract (beginning from the mouth), surgery poses a limited treatment approach. When it is performed, the affected portion of the tract is removed, and the loose ends are connected.

Accutane Lawsuit Crohn’s
Accutane side effects stemming from inflammatory bowel diseases can be debilitating. In some cases, complications from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may become life-threatening. If you are currently suffering from side effects resulting from these bowel disorders, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an Accutane lawsuit lawyer to learn more about your options.