Accutane® Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Among Others
You may be entitled to compensation!
Along with other known and suspected side-effects, Accutane® is suspected as a possible cause of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Even after treatment with Accutane® has been discontinued, these serious digestive disorders can persist. While Crohn's disease has no known cure, ulcerative colitis can often be cured by surgery, but surgical removal of the large intestine and/or colon are as permanent and life-changing as the disease itself. In the United States, several jury trials have awarded at least $33 million dollars to patients as compensation for injuries attributed to Accutane® use. The total number of claims against Roche Holding Ltd., the maker of Accutane®, is believed to exceed 5,000, with at least 425 injury cases pending. After the outcome of these jury trials, Roche Pharmaceuticals notified the FDA that they were immediately discontinuing the distribution and manufacture of Accutane® in the United States. One of the reasons given by Roche for the decision: the high cost of personal-injury lawsuits. About Accutane®Accutane®(also known as Isotretinoin) has been used by about 13 million people since it first became available in 1982. Its primary use is for the treatment of severe nodular acne, in patients who fail to respond to other acne treatments such as antibiotics. Accutane® works by reducing the amount of oil released by oil-glands in the skin, and helps the skin to renew itself. Accutane® was Roche's second-biggest selling drug until the patent expired in 2003, at which time generic versions could be sold. The names of these generic versions of Isotretinoin/Accutane® are Amnesteem®, Claravis™, Clarus™, Decutan, Isotane, Izotek, Oratane®, Sotret®, Isotrex®, and Isotrexin®. Side Effects of Accutane® Side effects experienced by patients taking Accutane® include severe headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, seizures, stroke, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. It has also been connected with birth defects, thyroid disorders, pancreatitis and lupus. Additionally, serious mental health problems, such as depression and suicide, have been reported with Isotretinoin use. Recent studies have also linked Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis as possible side-effects of Accutane®, and unlike some other side effects, these can be permanent conditions even after Accutane® is discontinued. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is defined as a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. The main forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While the diseases have features in common, there are important differences. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the rectum and colon. The sores form when inflammation has killed the cells that line the colon, which then bleed and produce pus. The main symptom of the disease is recurrent diarrhea mixed with blood. Mucus may also appear in the stool if the lining of the colon is damaged. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include:
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal discomfort and cramping
• Urgent need to go to the bathroom
• Bloody diarrhea, sometimes with mucus
Crohn's disease causes deeper inflammation than Ulcerative Colitis. It can potentially affect other parts of the digestive system, including the small intestine, anus, esophagus, mouth and stomach.
Common symptoms of Crohn's disease may include:
• Abdominal discomfort/cramping
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
If you or a loved one have been prescribed Accutane® and experienced any of these symptoms, please contact us immediately for a free consultation. Do not discontinue taking any medication, including Accutane®, without first consulting with a physician. Who We AreThe Mulligan Law Firm is a national law firm located in Dallas, Texas who provides information and resources for injured individuals and their families in all 50 states. The firm has successfully represented thousands of individuals, obtaining over $600,000,000 in settlements or jury verdicts for its clients since 1995. The Mulligan Law Firm is currently investigating injury claims involving the possible role of Accutane® in inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured after taking Accutane® it is important that you consult with a legal professional immediately. The Mulligan Firm has experienced lawyers standing by to help you. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. We take all cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you do not pay for our services unless you receive an award or compensation. Do not delay, as your rights and compensation may be lost forever if you wait.
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