subject: Accutane And Inflammatory Bowel Disease [print this page] Accutane and the Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
Studies link Accutane (isotretinoin) use to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (including Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns Disease). Accutane has been used as a treatment for acne since the early 1980s by more than 16 million people. Accutane was recalled by Hoffmann-La Roche in June 2009 due to the cost of defending Accutane side effect lawsuits here in the United States, and due to a dwindling market brought on by generic brands. Patients who took Accutane before Roche placed warnings on its packaging may have legal recourse. Several million dollars have been awarded to three people for lawsuits filed in New Jersey Superior Court. Accutane has not only been linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease but to severe birth defects and suicidal tendencies.
Beginning in 2006, isotretinoin (commonly sold under the trade names Accutune, Amneesteen, Claravis or Sotret) was placed under special prescribing requirements under a restricted distribution program approved by the FDA. This program is called iPLEDGETM. Isotretinoin can only be prescribed by prescribers who are registered and activated by iPLEDGE, and must only be dispensed to patients who are registered and meet all the requirements of iPLEDGE.
Federal Courts have Awarded Millions to those Injured by Accutane:
The pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-La Roche has been confronted with 1,000 lawsuits by Accutane users who contracted Inflammatory Bowel Disease. According to Bloomberg News, Hoffmann-La Roche has lost 6 cases that have gone to trial so far. A New Jersey court awarded over $ 25 million in compensatory damages and $ 159,000 in medical expenses to an Alabama man by the name of Andrew McCarrell. Mr. McCarrell reported that Hoffmann-La Roche didnt properly warn of Accutane side effects. Mr. McCarrell says he contracted Inflammatory Bowel Disease after taking Accutane. He had five surgeries for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and finally had to have his colon removed.
Accutane has been associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in patients without prior history of intestinal disorders and has been reported to persist after Accutane treatment has stopped. If you are taking Accutane and develop symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, nausea, severe diarrhea, or inflammation of your gums, you should seek medical attention. You may be entitled to monetary compensation. Accutane lawsuits are currently being filed across the United States so you may want to contact an Accutane lawyer.
