Accutane and Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease and Accutane
Crohn's Disease and Accutane
Crohn's disease is also known as Lesniowski-Crohn disease. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. Although this disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, form the mouth to the anus, it typically affects certain parts of the intestinal tract. For example, in most cases, it will usually cause problems in the end of the lower intestine and in parts of the large intestine.
Multiple layers of the bowel lining are affected by Crohn's disease. Often times, this leads to severe complications which are hard to treat. It can be a life long crippling disease.
Many times, Crohn's disease is accompanied by auto-immune diseases. Two common diseases found in conjunction with Crohn's disease are rheumatoid arthritis and aphthous stomatitis, which is charectorized by the presence of recurring canker sores in the mouth.
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
The symptoms that accompany Crohn's disease can make it hard for an individual to comfortably and happily live their live. This disease can make it hard to eat and digest food. Many sufferers will have a loss of appetite and eventually lose an unhealthy amount of weight.
Abdominal discomfort and pain is one of the most common symptoms of Crohn's disease. This is caused by the inflammation of certain parts of the digestive tract. Other symptoms include bloody stools, severe and chronic diarrhea, ulcers, and hemorrhoids.
Treatment of Crohn's Disease
Although there is no cure for Crohn's disease as of yet, there are some things that can be done to alleviate the symptoms. Many people who suffer from this disease are able to live a normal life when their symptoms are controlled. In some cases, the disease is actually put into remission with a combination of treatments. Changes in diet, medication and surgery are the three main treatments to control the flair ups associated with Crohn's disease.
- Diet and Crohn's Disease
Different foods may trigger flair ups for different people. Some doctors recommend that a person with Crohn's disease should keep track of the food that they eat and which of those foods trigger a flair up. Avoiding these trigger foods can control the symptoms of a mild case of Crohn's disease.
- Medication for Crohn's Disease
Mild to moderate cases of Crohn's disease are usually controlled with medications and a vitamin regimen. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, and pain relievers are prescribed to relieve the painful inflammation experienced by many Crohn's disease sufferers. Anti-diarrheal medications are prescribed to help alleviate the chronic diarrhea. Other medications may include immune system suppressors and antibiotics.
Since people with Crohn's disease may be lacking certain vitamins, a doctor may include a vitamin regimen along with medications. Some of these supplements may include iron, vitamin B-12, calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, and zinc.
- Surgery for Crohn's Disease
Surgery is usually the last resort for a person with Crohn's disease. This option is often used after all other treatment methods, such as diet changes and medications, have failed. During a stricturplasty, a surgeon may remove scar tissue or a damaged section of the digestive tract.
Sometimes, a person with Crohn's disease may develop what is called a fistula; this is an abnormal tunnel connecting two body cavities. If the fistula does not close itself, surgery may be necessary to close the fistula.
Accutane and Crohn's Disease
After the release of Accutane in 1982, millions of people believed that their acne troubles were over. Little did some of them know, other severe health problems were just beginning.
Manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals, Accutane has been linked to a number of severe medical problems such as suicidal tendencies, liver damage, miscarriage, birth defects, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's disease. Thousands of lawsuits have already been filed against this company, and many have resulted in the plaintiff winning a large settlement after developing a severe gastrointestinal disorder. Some amounts awarded to the victims of Accutane have been in the millions.
If you believe that your Crohn's disease is a result of taking Accutane, consult with an experienced Accutane attorney today, and possibly get the compensation you deserve.