Accutane and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In 2006, the American Journal of Gastroenterology published a study that noted a link between the use of Accutane and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study found that Accutane users are four times more likely to develop IBD when taking Accutane than those that do not take Accutane. Inflammatory bowel disease includes two chronic conditions of the bowels – Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which are incurable. Inflammatory bowel disease comes with several painful and life altering symptoms and side effects, all of which can negatively impact your quality of life and can result in the removal of the colon.
If you have developed inflammatory bowel disease while taking Accutane, then you may be eligible for financial compensation for your pain, mental anguish and financial struggle. Contact our firm for a free consultation with an experienced attorney at1-800-774-0757.
Accutane IBD Risks
Accutane has been prescribed to millions of Americans over the last twenty years for the treatment of severe acne. Accutane uses vitamin A to dry out the oil glands and clear up the skin. However, recently Accutane has also been linked to several serious side effects including liver disease, depression and inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease is made up of two separate conditions:
Ulcerative colitis – ulcers, swelling and inflammation in the large intestine that can result in fever, rectal pain and bleeding, severe diarrhea, stomach cramping and vomiting. There are four different degrees of severity of ulcerative colitis and, in some instances, the removal of the colon is the only treatment to stop the problem.
Crohn’s disease – ulcers and problems in the small intestine that may move into other areas of the digestive tract including the mouth, the stomach and the colon. Crohn’s disease sufferers may experience painful and frequent bowel movements. The ulcers often will go away without treatment only to occur in the same spot over and over again.
Accutane IBM Signs and Symptoms
Inflammatory bowel disease includes a number of serious symptoms. If you experience any of the following Accutane IBD symptoms, then consult a doctor. immediatly. Even if you think you just have the stomach flu, it is best to check just in case.
- Severe or constant abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Skin problems
- Bleeding from the rectum
If you are diagnosed with IBD you may need to follow a strict diet and exercise regime followed by antibiotics, medication called immunosuppressant and surgery in some instances.
IBD Accutane Lawsuits
It is every patient’s right to be informed about the serious Accutane side effects before taking the drug. Accutane users were not made aware of the serious side effects of Accutane, including the increased risks of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. There have been several lawsuits regarding Accutane and inflammatory bowel disease. In 2009 a woman won a $10.5 million settlement after she developed ulcerative colitis and needed her colon removed because she took Accutane. In 2010, a man won a $25 million verdict after experiencing painful gastrointestinal disease from Accutane. He developed the disease and needed to undergo multiple surgeries, including the removal of his colon.
Contact Our Firm About Your Accutane Claim
If you or someone you love has taken Accutane and has suffered from inflammatory bowel disease during this period of time, then you may be eligible for compensation due to your physical, emotional and financial suffering. The attorneys at Pearson, Randall, & Schumacher, P.A. can help you make sense of this diffucult time. We offer a no obligation case consultation, aggressive representation and years of experience in medical abuse cases such as Accutane. Please call 612-767-7500, or Toll Free at 1-800-774-0757, or e-mail attorneys@prslegal.com to consult with one of our attorneys about your Accutane case.