Accutane Side Effects

Orlando, Florida

From 1982 until its recall in 2009, Accutane was a popular acne treatment. Unfortunately, thousands of users also suffered severe, and definitely unwelcome, ailments. If you are concerned about this and other dangerous drugs, please read the information below. Remember, too, that pharmaceutical injuries are unique in that you may use a drug for years before its harmful effects become known.

The product liability law firm of Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter (“The Florida Firm”) believes you should have confidence in the medicines you use. When a product meant to help you turns out to be harmful, it isn’t your fault. We will work with you to get just compensation from the parties responsible for defective products or medical malpractice.

Inflammatory bowel disorders

Inflammatory bowel disorders, or IBD, involves disorders that cause the intestines to become inflamed. The inflammation lasts a long time, and can recur. It has been labeled as a major risk factor for developing colorectal cancer.  Among the chief forms of this ailment are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, reviewed below. A 2009 study found that users of Accutane are about twice as likely to develop a serious bowel disorder as are nonusers.

In February, an Alabama man received a settlement of $25.16 million from Roche Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Accutane. Soon after he began taking it in 1995 he developed inflammatory bowel disease, leading to five operations and the removal of his colon. The jury found that Roche failed to warn users of the risk of bowel disease associated with the medication.

Six lawsuits against the makers of Accutane and doctors who prescribed it have been settled for a total $56 million in damages.  In all six cases, juries determined that the manufacturers did not properly warn the prescribing doctors about its side effects.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, accompanied with ulcers. It causes your colon to become red and swollen. Severe cases can lead to shock, bleeding, colon rupture, and even death. While the condition can be treated, there is no known cure. In some cases, this ailment was reported immediately upon use of Accutane; others developed it months or years after Accutane treatment was stopped.

There have been nearly 5,000 claims against Roche Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Accutane, regarding its ability to cause this and other gastrointestinal problems.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic illness affecting the digestive tract, and involves thickening of the intestinal wall.  It often attacks the rectum. There are therapies to treat it, but no cure is known. Accutane has been linked to the development of Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms include:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Bloody stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Ulcers
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Skin complications

If you live in the Orlando, Florida area and have used Accutane, you may want to know more about legal remedies that might be available. We urge you to contact the experienced product liability attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter for a no-obligation consultation.