Accutane
Accutane (isotretinoin) is used to treat very severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. Unfortunately, it can have devastating and even fatal side effects, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The risks of taking Accutane far outweigh the benefits. Roche Holding AG, maker of Accutane, pulled the drug from the market in June, 2009, after patients harmed by the drug were awarded a least $33 million in compensation for their injuries. However, isotretinoin is still sold in generic form and under the brand names Sotret, Claravis, and Amnesteem.
Accutane and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In February, 2010, a New Jersey jury awarded former Accutane user Andrew McCarrell over $25 million in compensation for his injuries. After taking Accutane in 1995, MeCarrell began suffering from bowel disorders (IBD) and had to have five surgeries, including surgery to remove his colon. McCarrell was originally awarded a little over one-tenth of that amount, but Roche was able to get the first verdict overturned. The case went back for retrial and the move backfired for Roche.
IBD is a term used to refer to a group of bowel conditions including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD can be severely debilitating and can lead to other serious and life-threatening health problems. In most patients, IBD is a permanent condition and often progressive. Very rarely can it be successfully reversed. Stopping the use of Accutane will not cure IBD.
IBD Symptoms and Complications
IBD is a very serious condition that can lead to other serious health problems. Symptoms and complications of IBD can include:
- Bloody stool
- Constipation
- Severe, chronic diarrhea - sometimes exceeding 20 bowel movements a day
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Extreme weight loss
- Malnutrition - sometimes severe enough to be fatal
- Anemia
- Inflamed liver
- Colon cancer
- Bone fractures
- Kidney stones
- Gallstones
- Inability to work or attend social events
Other Accutane Side Effects
Accutane has some other very serious side effects which cannot be ignored including:
- Birth defects
- Miscarriage
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
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