Accutane IBD Link Strengthened by Research

Patients suffering from Accutane side effects continue to look into their legal options, including being part of Accutane lawsuits. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and sometimes mistakenly, irritable bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome affects muscle contractions in the colon and is not characterized by intestinal inflammation. Accutane is similar to Vitamin A in that it can alter your DNA transcriptions. This allows Accutane to reduce your body oil production by minimizing your sebaceous glands that cause acne. Accutane also destroys bacteria deep inside the skin further reducing the chance of developing acne.Accutane side effects long term involving Accutane irritable bowel syndrome can cause significant lifestyle changes for people suffering from the disorder.

Accutane ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. The difference between Accutane ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease is that while Crone’s disease affects the entire digestive tract, the effects of Accutane ulcerative colitis are limited to the colon. Accutane is designed to clear up serious acne by targeting epithelial cells and inhibiting their growth. Sores occur where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Unfortunately, Accutane is toxic to more than the cells that cause acne. Dr. Sachar suggests that Accutane also disrupts the mucous lining of the intestines. The intestines become inflamed as a result, and some individuals develop either Accutane ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Accutane warnings state that there is a small possibility that Accutane users will develop IBD. An FDA study reviewed 85 cases of Accutane users who developed IBD and concluded that there is a causal link between Accutane use and IBD. IBD has also been linked to Accutane users who had no history of stomach or intestinal problems. IBD will not automatically stop with the discontinued use of Accutane. A serious case of IBD may require ongoing treatment, which can range from medications to surgery, including the removal of a patient’s colon.

Accutane Crohn's Disease and Other Gastrointestinal Problems of Concern

Patients who have used the acne drug Accutane often already know of the potential side effects because the serious and potentially life-threatening complications of the seemingly innocent drug have been in the news lately. This is partially due to a number of lawsuits that have been filed against the manufacturers of Accutane, the drug making giant Hoffman-La Roche. Accutane was recalled in 2009 in a voluntary move by the manufacturers, allegedly because of generic competition, but many people believe that the recall was initiated because of the growing number of Accutane lawsuits. 

Legal action in Accutane side effects cases

A number of former patients of the acne drug Accutane have experienced the serious and often lifelong side effects of Accutane use. Some of these patients have decided to take legal action and contact an Accutane lawyer that could help them file a lawsuit against the drug makers. These plaintiffs are filing suit in order to win compensation that could help cover medical costs past and future, as well as pain and suffering, lost wages from work missed or jobs lost, and other significant costs. Litigation is the best option for a number of Accutane side effects victims, as covering costs associated with side effects can be quite costly. 

Accutane Crohn's and ulcerative colitis in lawsuits

Two of the most commonly cited conditions in Accutane litigation are Accutane Crohn's disease and Accutane ulcerative colitis. Both of these conditions are known as Accutane inflammatory bowel diseases, and are gastrointestinal conditions that have been linked to Accutane use. There is no cure for either of the conditions, but there are a number of treatments that patients can undergo to help alleviate the symptoms. They are almost always lifelong diseases and can be life-threatening.

Crohn's disease is a gastrointestinal disease that can manifest anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract and symptoms vary based on where the disease manifests. Common symptoms are abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, and severe diarrhea. Other side effects include fever, mouth sores, skin disorders, eye inflammations, and fatigue.

Accutane ulcerative colitis is usually more localized, with it affecting the rectal area for the most part, although it may involve the entire large intestine over time. Side effects are similar to those of Crohn's disease but can include skin lumps or ulcers and rectal pain. 

More than 6,000 Accutane lawsuits have already been filed and experts expect that more are on the way.