Accutane Lawsuits

by admin on July 14th, 2010

Are you interested in getting Accutane lawsuits information? If you have been affected by the long term side effects of this prescription medicine, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries.

About Accutane

Accutane is a drug used to clear up severe acne. While many people think of acne in terms of pimples or blackheads, some people have what is called nodular or cystic acne. These form under the skin and are resistant to typical acne medications, including antibiotics. What’s more, this type of acne can leave lasting scars.

Accutane, which is in the vitamin A family, usually comes in a pill that is taken orally for a certain period. It has been used as a chemotherapy drug, and it changes how cells grow and differentiate.

Accutane Side Effects

After Accutane entered the market in 1982, doctors began to notice long term side effects in their patients.

Birth Defects

Women of childbearing age are strongly warned that they should not take Accutane if they plan to become pregnant because of the risk of birth defects. In fact, women must pledge to use both a primary and a secondary form of birth control while on Accutane to avoid birth defects including life-threatening brain abnormalities and heart defects.

Depression

People who take Accutane are at a higher risk for developing depression and suicidal behavior.

Accutane manufacturers have warned doctors and patients about these risks; however, one side effect has not received as much notification.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

More and more people are becoming aware of the connection between Accutane and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and are, in fact, seeking Accutane lawsuit information on this topic.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease describes a chronic inflammation that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Accutane inflammatory Bowel Disease bowel problems includes Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. In both of these conditions, inflammations and infections occur repeatedly in the body. In Crohn’s Disease, this can happen anywhere from the mouth to the intestines to the anus, but typically occurs in the lower intestine. In ulcerative colitis, the inflammation occurs in the large intestine and rectum.

Both diseases are serious and can be life-threatening. When flare-ups occur, the infections can be very painful. They can cause anemia, and in children, delayed development. The infections can progress and form ulcers in the body. When severe, this can develop into perforations or fistulas, which are abnormal openings in the tissue wall. Inflammations can also narrow the passageways in the intestines, causing blockages.

Although doctors try to manage the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, it cannot be cured. Many people with this disease end up with some or all of their intestines removed.

Accutane Lawsuits

Accutane users have charged that the drug’s manufacturer did not clearly state the risk that patients had of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease. As a result, many patients have filed Accutane lawsuits. Accutane manufacturer, Hoffman-LaRoche, has paid over $56 million for damages so far.

If you have taken Accutane and have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, you may be interested in more Accutane lawsuit information. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. As always, you pay no fees unless we win compensation for your case.