Accutane and IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Accutane

Although hard to imagine how an acne treatment drug could be related to inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, that has been the unpredictable conclusion for some users of Isotrentinoin, known popularly as Accutane. Regardless that Accutane was taken off the market in 2009, recalled by its manufacturer, Hoffman-LaRoche, it wasn't soon enough for those adversely affected by the cruel side effects caused by inflammation of the intestines.

Hoffman-LaRoche has admitted a link between inflammatory bowel disease symptoms and their drug, having added to its label, over past years, gastrointestinal side effect warnings. However, because symptoms of IBD range from mild to severe, often desisting, then reoccurring over time, many users have never considered the possible relationship. This is especially true, post-usage. While continuing to be bothered by unpredictable symptoms of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or other gastrointestinal ailments under the IBD umbrella, many may have yet to consider medical attention.

Since symptoms often continue, or occur, after stopping usage, a little background on inflammatory bowel disease might help to alert former users to suspicious signs. For, not unlike many drugs, there are other possible, individual side effects with Accutane, ranging from additional gastrointestinal conditions such a hepatitis and pancreatitis, to neurological and cardiovascular disorders.

Though inflammatory bowel disease includes several conditions, all involving intestinal inflammation, it is helpful to understand two main forms, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both have the potential, in a limited but noteworthy number of cases, to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Therefore, no matter how mild the symptoms, medical diagnosis is critical. While cures may not be possible, there are treatment regimens, surgery being most extreme, to force symptom retreat and enable patients to better cope with the reduced quality of life those symptoms amplify.

With Crohn's disease, a severe form of IBD, ulcers, or open sores, generally form along the inner small, and large, intestines. More common in women than men, the symptoms typically include stomach cramps, intermittent pain and diarrhea, and bloody stools. Loss of weight, nausea, fatigue, and joint pain are not uncommon. While some only experience mild symptoms, for others, they are severe enough to hamper lifestyle. Crohn's is also tricky, allowing some to function, for awhile, symptom and treatment free, but causing others to require continuous care for more lasting relief. One unfortunate, but frequent, emotional outcome is depression.

Ulcerative colitis, while similar symptomatically, usually causes the lower part of the colon, or large intestine, to become red and swollen. The disorder can last for weeks or months, with symptoms abating, only to flare up unexpectedly. It is thought to be related to the body's overreaction to normal bacteria in the digestive system. As with Crohn's disease, it is aggravated by stress, and the symptoms vary to include diarrhea, bloody stool, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and fatigue, with the addition of rectal pain.

With both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, treatment goals seek to eradicate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes antibiotics, may be recommended, along with relief aids for diarrhea or pain. While Crohn's disease rarely benefits from surgery, severe ulcerative colitis that may not be remedied, otherwise, may benefit by surgical removal of part, or all, of the colon.

Regarding symptom awareness of any inflammatory bowel disease, medical attention should be sought, especially when one has used Accutane. How was the link discovered between two such unlikely occurrences? Although Accutane was approved by the FDA for acne that proved unresponsive to lesser treatments, it was through reports coming into its medical watchdog system that a link was officially established. From 1972 until 2002, eighty-five suspected cases of Accutane-related IBD were reported; using the standard adverse drug reaction probability scale, it was ascertained that all were linked, with most falling into the "probable" category. Although the study directed that physicians and patients be advised, and warnings were placed on the drug, many users still did not recognize the relationship of their symptoms, particularly once treatment had ended.