Accutane (Gastro Cases Only)
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Accutane is the brand name for isotretinoin, a drug used for the treatment of severe acne. It was introduced into the marketplace in 1982, and has since been linked in recent years to severe intestinal problems including different forms of inflammatory bowel disease. If you have taken Accutane and have suffered gastrointestinal problems, please contact the dangerous drug lawyers at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC.
About Accutane
Manufactured by the New Jersey-based prescription drug company, Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., Accutane is prescribed to treat a form of nodular acne, which occurs primarily among adolescents. This form of nodular acne cannot be treated by other types of drugs, including antibiotics.
The Dangers of Accutane
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to monitor Accutane after reported side effects of bowel and abdominal problems. These side effects can cause problems in the esophagus, liver, pancreas and intestines.
Multiple research studies have linked Accutane to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a group of disorders that causes your intestines to become red and swollen. This inflammation is often long-lasting and recurring. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Blood in your stool
- Intestinal discomfort
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Other symptoms of abdominal problems include difficult or painful swallowing, heartburn (new or worsening), yellowing of your skin, and dark urine.
Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There are two main kinds of IBD:
- Crohn's disease: This form of IBD often causes ulcers, or open sores, along the inside of your small and large intestines. Crohn’s may not affect your rectum, or it may cause inflammation or infection with drainage around your rectum.
- Ulcerative colitis: This disease causes ulcers in only the lower part of your large intestine, beginning at your rectum.
Those with IBD are at a much higher risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer.
Removal from the Marketplace
Hoffman-La Roche removed Accutane from the market in July 2009, claiming it was for economic reasons. Many believe that the drug was pulled because of its negative side effects.
Almost 600 lawsuits against the manufacturing company accuse Accutane of causing IBD. These of gastrointestinal problems range from occasional abdominal pain to severe conditions that require surgery, and even colon removal.
Other Side Effects of Accutane
Aside from gastrointestinal issues, Accutane has also been linked to:
- Suicidal tendencies
- Birth defects, including heart problems and mental retardation
- Depression
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
If you live in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico and have suffered an injury because of Accutane, please contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC today to hold Hoffman-La Roche legally responsible for any detrimental side effects you have suffered.
