Accutane Side Effects
There are a number of serious side effects of Accutane, a medication used to treat acne. For several years the makers of Accutane, the La Roche Group, withheld the serious side effects from patients. This has led to thousands of medical abuse lawsuits against this multibillion dollar company.
Patients have the right to know the serious side effects of Accutane before they agreed to take the medications. If you tookn Accutane before 2009 and are experiencing any of the Accutane side effects, then it is important that you seek legal representation to obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Contact Pearson, Randall & Schumacher P.A. our firm for a free consultation with an experienced attorney at1-800-774-0757.
Accutane and Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Disease
One of the most disturbing Accutane side effects is its connection to serious inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. People who have or had used the drug recently are four times more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. If you have or are taking Accutane and experience any of the symptoms listed below, it is important to speak to your doctor immediately:
- Abdominal pain
- Audible gastrointestinal disturbances
- Constipation
- Rectal pain and bleeding
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Accutane Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic medical condition of the gastrointestinal tract that causes inflammation and ulcers. Cases of ulcerative colitis can result in inflammation, chronic diarrhea and hospitalization and surgery. Many patients must have their colon completely removed, resulting in the lifelong use of a colostomy bag for the collection of digested waste.
Accutane Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is another form of inflammatory bowel disease associated with Accutane. It generally affects the small intestine, but can develop in any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is incurable and comes with a number of serious symptoms including abdominal pain and discomfort, especially in the lower right side, severe diarrhea, reduced or loss of appetite, ulcers, bloody stools and fever.
Additional Accutane Side Effects
Accutane has also been linked to a number of other serious health conditions, many of which are fatal including:
- Liver failure
- Severe depression
- Skin infections
- Birth defects in expectant mothers
- Allergic reactions
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Dry skin
- Vision problems
- Headache, fatigue and fever
- Eczema
- Brittle nails
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Mental disturbances and disruptions
- Muscle and joint pain
Accutane Medical Risks
There are several other medical risks associated with Accutane. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take Accutane as there is a risk of birth defects or miscarriage.
Accutane cannot be prescribed to women unless they have agreed to participate in the iPLEDGE program, designed to prevent women who are pregnant or could become pregnant from taking the drug. Patients should also avoid Accutane if there is a family history of mental illness or depression or if the patient suffers from the following medical conditions:
- Asthma
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Eating disorders
Accutane Side Effects Lawyer
Approximately 13 million patients have taken Accutane since 1982, most of which were not aware of the serious side effects and risks associated with Accutane. If you have suffered any serious Accutane side effects, then you may be eligible for compensation for your financial, emotional and physical suffering. Pearson, Randall & Schumacher P.A. is dedicated to ensuring that a pharmaceutical injury victim receives the medical treatment and rehabilitative care they need and the compensation they deserve. Please call 612-767-7500, or Toll Free at 1-800-774-0757, or e-mail attorneys@prslegal.com to consult with an attorneys about your Accutane lawsuit.