subject: Accutane Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease [print this page] Accutane Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Medical Studies Link Accutane and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Medical and scientific studies have revealed a link between the acne drug Accutane and inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease is a general phrase used for associated bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Injuries involve intestinal bleeding, stomach pain and cramping, and depression while under therapy and can continue well after therapy is terminated. Inflammation of the intestine is accompanied by frequent trips to the rest room and diarrhea.
Although Accutane was meant to be prescribed to individuals with severe cystic forms of acne, government studies reported that 90% of the women and about half of the teenagers who took Accutane had mild forms of acne. Given that this is a high-risk drug, Accutane should have been prescribed only to patients with severe acne. In response to this, the FDA has published a number of alerts and warnings about Accutane injuries.
Court Awards for Accutane Injury
An Alabama man, Andrew McCarrell, filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Accutane (Hoffmann-La Roche) stating that the pharmaceutical company didn't clearly indicate the severe side effects of Accutane inflammatory bowel disease. In McCarrell's case, he eventually had to have his colon removed. A New Jersey state court awarded McCarrell over $25 million in compensatory damages for his Accutane injury.
Many years of research and reports have unveiled numerous Accutane side effects as well as the lack of responsibility by Hoffmann-La Roche. These reports have uncovered a number of side effects including severe headaches, liver damage, abnormal bone growth, and Accutane inflammatory bowel disease. Roche clinical trials have also demonstrated neurological changes in terms of mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In response to this, the FDA has placed warnings on their web site about the neurological side effects of Accutane. The FDA has also listed Accutane as one of the three most reported drugs for side effects.
Many lawsuits have been filed against Hoffmann-La Roche due to Accutane inflammatory bowel disease. In 2009, La Roche decided to stop production of Accutane. At that time, their Accutane patent expired and they were unable to compete with the flood of generic forms of the drug.
Millions of dollars have already been awarded to Accutane patients compensating them for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Legal assistance is available for those who have used Accutane. If you have experienced Accutane inflammatory bowel disease or any other Accutane injury you may wish to contact an Accutane lawyer to see if you qualify for an Accutane lawsuit.
