Accutane, or isotretinoin, is manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche and is prescribed by physicians to treat cystic acne and other serious skin conditions. Accutane has been associated with several serious side effects including birth defects, depression and suicide. Many patients have reported the development of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis other gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers have also identified a link between gastrointestinal distress and Accutane use. The drug is no longer distributed in the United States however patients have reported serious side effects even after they stopped using the drug.

Risks Associated with Accutane

Clinical depression and suicidal ideations have been reported by patients using Accutane. Women who are taking Accutane are advised to practice two forms of birth control while taking Accutane as well as for one month after they stop using the drug. As little as one dose of Accutane during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects. Further Accutane is suspected in the acceleration of turnover in skin cells and muscle tissues which can intensify the progression of muscular dystrophy.

Accutane use has also been linked to the development of gastrointestinal disorders, specifically Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. These disorders are identified by inflammation of and the formation of ulcers in, the digestive system.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

The typical symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease and similar disorders include:

• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Vomiting
• Abdominal bloating, cramping and pain
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding

The symptoms associated with severe Crohn’s disease include:

• Intestinal or Anal abscesses
• Extremely frequent bowel movements (as many as 20 per day)
• Joint pain or arthritis
• Malnutrition
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Skin lesions/nodules
• Eye damage
• Growth retardation in children

Accutane Litigation

Federal law requires drug companies to include information about all known side effects on their product labels. When manufacturers know of potential dangers related to their products and do not include the information on the labels they may be liable for the harm those products cause. Anyone harmed by an improperly labeled drug may bring lawsuit against the manufacturer of that drug.

Accutane Settlement

In March 2010, Roche Pharmaceuticals was ordered by a New Jersey jury to pay $25 million to an individual who developed inflammatory bowel disease after being treated with Accutane. Previous lawsuits brought against Roche resulted in the company paying other Accutane users over $30 million in relation to the development of Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders.

In 2009 Roche Pharmaceuticals discontinued the distribution of Accutane in the U.S., partially due to the results of litigation. However, Accutane is still being used outside the U.S. and is available within the U.S. as a generic.

Cases of Accutane related gastrointestinal disorders including Crohn’s disease will continue to emerge in the years to come as the symptoms may appear and disappear repeatedly until the disease progresses to a serious stage years after the individual has discontinued using Accutane.