Accutane Ulcerative Colitis

by admin on June 7th, 2010

Accutane is a drug used to treat acne. Patients using this medication have developed Accutane ulcerative colitis side effects which is a form of IBD. This acne drug stops acne by affecting the ways it develops. First it dramatically reduces the size of the skin’s oil glands from 25% to over 55%, and even more dramatically reduces the amount of oil the skin produces by about 80%. Accutane also reduces the amount of acne bacteria that lives in skin oil, since it reduces the amount of the skin oil. Third, it reduces the speed at which the skin produces skin cells inside the pore, which helps the pores from becoming clogged. Finally, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Accutane boasts that it achieves partial or complete clearance of acne in about 95% of patients who complete a cycle. However, it has also caused serious health problems which have, in some cases, lead to Accutane ulcerative colitis problems.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, which is a gastrointestinal disorder. Specifically, it is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract accompanied by ulcers on the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Ulcerative colitis is 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. Treatment is available for Accutane ulcerative colitis, though there is no known cure.

What is the history of Accutane?
Accutane was created by Hoffmann-La Roche, a United States drug manufacturer. Accutane was introduced in 1982 and has treated over 13 million patients. Accutane was initially prescribed for people with serious acne that did not respond to other treatments, but it has been more frequently prescribed in the last 25 years for less severe acne. This practice has been criticized because it has caused serious side effects, including ulcerative colitis. In 2009, Hoffman-La Roche discontinued manufacturing Accutane because of that company’s dwindling market share.

What other conditions has Accutane caused?
Accutane has caused serious side effects in some patients, including another form of inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis, liver damage, birth defects, suicidal thoughts, and severe depression. The FDA has required a black box warning be put on all containers of Accutane, warning of all risks associated with the drug. A black box warning is the FDA’s strictest warning.

Can I file a lawsuit against Accutane for ulcerative colitis?
If you have suffered from a serious Accutane side effect such as ulcerative colitis, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation on your legal options including filing an Accutane lawsuit.