Accutane, also referred to as Isotretinoin, is a medication once commonly prescribed by doctors to eliminate or reduce the severity of a patient's nodular acne. It is derived from vitamin A, which classifies it as part of the retinoid family. It works to slow the production of the waxy, oily substance called sebum. Sebum is primarily composed of dead skin and other cells that, when alive, worked to produce fat. Sebum contains also contains bacteria and fat. When sebum accumulates under the skin or in pores, acne develops on the skin's surfaces. This substance is also known to lead to oily, greasy hair and an overproduction in earwax. By reducing the body's production of sebum, even resistant acne can be often eliminated. However, the quantity of Isotretinoin that must be taken to have this effect is considered a "toxic" level of vitamin A, which can lead to severe and painful side effects.

Liability of the Manufacturer

A number of official grievances have recently been filed in regard to health complications with this medication, leading to a number of changes on the warning label for the medication. According to federal law, the manufacturer of any prescription medication must warn consumers of any demonstrated risks to their health that could be caused by taking the drug. The manufacturers of Accutane, Hoffman-La Roche, are now required to include the risk for developing inflammatory bowel disease that is linked to taking Accutane. The risk has been demonstrated to affect patients who have never experienced intestinal disorders, not just patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease or other related abdominal complaints.

Rectal Bleeding and IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease can lead to severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and pain in the abdomen. Hematochezia, or rectal bleeding, is one of the most severe symptoms of a number of health concerns and complications. It is also known to be an early sign of rectal cancer. Rectal bleeding is very serious symptom, and is a concern to most patients who take Accutane.

Causes of Rectal Bleeding

There are a variety of health problems and conditions that can lead to rectal bleeding. The most common of these include anal fissures, rectal or colon cancer, infectious colitis, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel syndrome, Crohn's colitis, diverticulosis, ischemic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Meckel's diverticula, and ulcerative proctitis. Episodes of rectal bleeding will vary, both in severity and blood loss. The most serious occurrences of bleeding from the rectum can result in high volume blood loss. The symptoms of this are fatigue, shock, dizziness, low blood pressure, and rarely a serious drop in total blood pressure known as orthostatic hypotension, which occurs when standing up from a sitting position. Any amount of rectal bleeding is known to lead to serious stomach pain and painful or difficult bowel movements.

FDA Requirements and Regulations

According to federal law, the responsibility of accurately reporting all known side effects from a certain prescription drug is done voluntarily. A large number of reports have linked inflammatory bowel syndrome to the medication Accutane, which is considered a clear indication of the connection between taking the medication and experiencing rectal bleeding. This is what has led to the warning labels being added to the medication. The manufacturer recommends that all patients stop taking the medication if any sign of serious diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or stomach pain or discomfort occur. There is also a high possibility of successful legal recourse for patients who have, or currently are, experiencing these symptoms.