Accutane is a medication that is used to treat acute acne. It was first marketed in Atlanta in 1982. Since then, over 16 million patients throughout the world have used Accutane. However, Accutane was withdrawn from the US in 2009, but the drug is still available in foreign countries and in the US in generic forms.
Accutane has been linked to several serious side effects such as birth defects and suicide. It has recently been linked to inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease. Abdominal discomfort, bloody stool, loss of appetite, severe diarrhea, ulcers, and weight loss are all symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease and treatment varies from person to person. Therefore, instead of trying to cure the patient of the disease, doctors try to relieve its symptoms. Common treatment for Crohn’s disease includes anti-inflammatory medication, special diet, and surgery to remove damaged intestinal tissue.
Numerous patients who have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of accutane have experienced permanent and debilitating symptoms. Some have to control their symptoms with medication while others have had to have surgery to remove parts of their bowels. Individuals suffering form inflammatory bowel disease have already begun to win compensation such as a Florida man who won a $7 million verdict.