Accutane Lawsuit Settlements

by admin on September 1st, 2010

Accutane is a prescription drug for acne. While it is usually an effective treatment for acne, Accutane long term side effects can be severe and result in permanent problems. Please contact us for the latest Accutane lawsuit settlements 2010 information. Below are some of these serious Accutane side effects:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, or “IBD,” is a gastrointestinal disorder. It refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Treatment is available for these conditions, though there is no known cure.

o Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine (the terminal ileum) and parts of the large intestine. However, it isn’t confined to these areas and it can attack any part of the digestive track. Accutane Crohn’s disease symptoms causes inflammation that extends far deeper into the layers of the intestine wall and generally involves the entire bowel wall, whereas ulcerative colitis affects the bowel lining.

o Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract accompanied by ulcers on the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Accutane ulcerative colitis symptoms are often the most severe in the rectal area, and causes frequent diarrhea. Some people have reported an immediate onset of symptoms, while others developed ulcerative colitis months or even years after Accutane treatment was stopped.

• Liver Damage
Accutane can cause liver damage, which can lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver is the gradual replacement of healthy tissue with scar tissue, which renders the liver unable to properly filter nutrients, toxins, hormones, or drugs out of the blood or into the body. Early signs of liver damage and cirrhosis include nausea, fatigue diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sudden weight change. Symptoms of more advanced liver damage include jaundice (the yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes), the ability to bleed or bruise easily, confusion, disorientation, changes in personality, a swollen abdomen, drowsiness, and coma. Clinical trials of Accutane showed that 15% of healthy patients treated with Accutane had mild to moderate elevations in liver enzymes during treatment. An elevated liver enzyme count indicates the presence of inflammation or damage to the liver.

• Severe Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
Accutane can cause its users to develop severe depression, and even to have suicidal thoughts. If you experience this contact your doctor immediately. Treatment for these conditions is available.

• Birth Defects
Accutane can cause severe, life threatening birth defects. These Accutane side effects can be so severe that, prior to a doctor writing a prescription for Accutane to a woman capable of having children, the woman must agree in writing to use two types of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after taking Accutane.

What can I do if I have suffered from Accutane inflammatory bowel disease side effects?
If you have suffered from Accutane side effects, you should consult with an experienced attorney immediately. Please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation and information on Accutane lawsuit settlements.