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There has been a lot in the media discussing Accutane and the controversy surrounding its use. Accutane was pulled from the market in 2009 after approximately 27 years of marketing, prescribing, and use. During the last 27 years, studies have linked incidents of inflammatory bowel disease to the use of Accutane. Crohn’s disease is the most severe of the conditions, followed by ulcerative colitis.

Accutane is a medication which was intended to be used for the treatment of moderate to severe cases of acne and only after all other possible treatments had been tried and failed. It is a form of vitamin A and used to reduce oil production in the skin’s oil glands. While Accutane has been pulled from the market, other brand names are still available and prescribed.

Accutane Crohn’s disease

Studies have linked the use of Accutane to the development of Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect any part of a person’s GI tract causing inflammation. It is very painful and can be debilitating. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe and may or may not be painful. The severity of Crohn’s disease will vary from one person to the next. Most patients experience times without any symptoms, usually referred to as remission; and times when the disease is very active.

Specific symptoms included: recurring diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, indigestion, and sometimes fever. The effects of Crohn’s disease are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract and can affect other areas of the body including the joints.

A serious complication of Accutane Crohn’s disease results when the intestine becomes obstructed due to swelling and possibly scar tissue. Others include malnutrition and weight loss. These conditions should be monitored.

Treatment

Treatment of Crohn’s disease includes change in diet, reduction of stress, medications, and surgery. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber helps manage Crohn’s disease. Because stress can often lead to flare ups, it’s important to manage stress regularly, not just during active episodes. Medications are used to control inflammation. Surgery may be required to move any obstructions that may develop. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease; it simply must be managed for life.

Accutane Crohn’s Lawsuit

There is no known cause for Crohn’s disease, except that studies have now linked incidents of Crohn’s disease to Accutane use. Patients suffering a lifetime of painful and debilitating symptoms have filed lawsuit against the manufacturer of Accutane claiming proper warnings were not given related to the likelihood of developing an Accutane inflammatory disease. (Accutane ulcerative colitis is also an IBD linked to use in the studies.)

If you suffer any symptoms or have been given a diagnosis of Accutane Crohn’s disease, or other Accutane inflammatory disease, you should consult with an attorney so that you may protect your rights. There are strict time limits in which suits such as an Accutane lawsuit must be filed. Your attorney is the best person to answer any questions.