Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Linked To Accutane
Last Updated on May 1, 2020
Important Information
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects
- Patients who have taken Accutane and suffered Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Damages
- Accutane has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which refers to a group of inflammatory conditions known as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
- Company(ies)
- Hoffman-La Roche
- Additional Details
- Accutane is used in patients with severe acne that does not respond to antibiotics.
- Date
- Accutane was taken off the market by the manufacturer in June 2009.
Accutane has been linked to a number of serious side effects including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. Accutane IBD refers to two chronic diseases - ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease - which cause intestinal inflammation in patients who have taken the acne medication. The symptoms and complications of this disease can be devastating for the victim, who following a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, may be entitled to monetary damages.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of Accutane IBD which causes inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain and severe diarrhea. The inflammation of ulcerative colitis typically affects the colon and rectum and may cause symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal cramping and pain, and night sweats. No cure exists for this form of Accutane IBD, and in the most severe form of ulcerative colitis, the patient may experience severe pain, profuse diarrhea, dehydration and shock. Additionally this rare, life-threatening form of ulcerative colitis, known as fulminant colitis, may cause serious complications including toxic megacolon and colon rupture.
Crohn's Disease
The second type of Accutane inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease typically affects the intestines but can occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum. Symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Watery, persistent diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty passing stool
- Rectal bleeding
Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or another form of inflammatory bowel disease after taking Accutane? You may have legal recourse to recover damages and losses through a defective drug lawsuit.
Accutane Lawsuits
Patients who were diagnosed with either form of Accutane inflammatory bowel disease – ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; may be able to participate in a lawsuit. Pending Accutane lawsuits allege that the manufacturer of the drug failed to warn patients and doctors about the potentially harmful side effects, and may provide compensation to those suffering damages as a result of their condition.
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