Accutane and Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis and the Use of Accutane

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. The exact cause is unknown. It can be an extremely debilitating and has no known cure. There are, however, treatments available that may ease some of the symptoms, at least on a temporary basis. Ulcerative colitis is often treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but this is not a cure. It is very difficult to keep ulcerative colitis under control without resorting to surgery. Regulating medication and diet is necessary and often complicated. Ongoing and costly medical care is needed for ulcerative colitis. This is a serious disease and should not be left untreated.

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on severity of the disease and may include:

1. Pain or cramping in the abdomen
2. Pain in the rectal area
3. Bleeding of the rectum
4. Gurgling in the lower tract
5. Urgent need for a bowel movement
6. Inability to have a bowel movement despite a strong urge to do so
7. Severe diarrhea
8. Blood or mucus in the stool
8. Nausea and vomiting
9. Fever

There are some serious complications that have been attributed to ulcerative colitis including severe rectal bleeding and rupture of the colon. Scar tissue may develop on the lining of the intestine and rectum as the result of repeated attacks. Chronic diarrhea is also possible with all the life changing consequences this may involve, as well as the pain. Advanced ulcerative colitis most likely will require surgery and/or an extended hospital stay. In extreme cases an external bag may be required to empty the bowels.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above you should see a doctor immediately to avert as many complications as possible.

Another serious, possible complication is colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends regular testing because a correlation has been shown between ulcerative colitis and the development of colon cancer.

The use of Accutane, generic name isotretinoin, has been implicated in many cases of ulcerative colitis.

Accutane is a prescription medicine manufactured by the Swiss company Roche Holding AG. Manufacturing of the drug was discontinued in June of 2009.

Used in the treatment of severe acne, Accutane has a long history of complications. The courts have awarded large monetary amounts to users of accutane who have developed ulcerative colitis.

Since its approval by the FDA in 1982, the use of accutane has been blamed for many serious side effects besides inflammatory bowel disease. These including birth defects, if taken while pregnant and psychiatric problems including depression and suicide.

Less serious side effects include; headaches, trouble sleeping, sunlight sensitivity, muscle/joint pain and skin infections.

Accutane works by drying the oils that exacerbate acne. This can result in excessive drying of the skin with the itching and discomfort that accompanies it, as well as chapped and cracked lips. These are almost assured side effects.

Roche Holding AG states that the main reason for removal of Accutane from the market was because of the prevalence of cheaper, generic product, making production less profitable. Generics aren't the only things cutting into company profits. There have been many legal expenses associated with Accutane. Juries have awarded over $56 million dollars to sufferers of ulcerative colitis. This includes the largest single award to date. A New Jersey jury, on Feb. 16, 2010, unanimously awarded $25.16 million to a former user of Accutane who has suffered many complications of ulcerative colitis.

This isn't the end of the legal problems for Roche Holding AG. There are at least 1000 lawsuits being pursued. Juries are sympathetic to these cases because of the debilitating facets of this disease. Ulcerative colitis is a life changing medical condition that requires expensive and ongoing treatment. The pain and suffering, resulting from this inflammatory bowel disease, is incalculable. The disease is incurable and the effects never completely go away.

If you are suffering from the effects of ulcerative colitis and you think it may have been caused by your use of Accutane, it would be advisable to seek legal counsel. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and perhaps for the life altering changes forced on you by the disease.