Accutane Side Effects Result in Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuits
Accutane is a drug once manufactured and sold by Hoffman-La Roche to treat severe cases of acne. However, lawsuits are now piling up, brought by users who have developed inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), which they've learned is an Accutane side effect. In fact, just last year, there were multiple multi-million dollar awards to people who developed IBS after taking Accutane.
The most common form of IBS that has resulted in Accutane lawsuits is ulcerative colitis, a debilitating disorder that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the rectum or colon. If you have taken Accutane in the past, then you could be at risk to develop ulcerative colitis.
A person who develops it may suffer from a variety of side effects. Though side effects are typically mild, a person may have fevers, bloody diarrhea, or persistent abdominal pain. If you notice any of these symptoms or suffer from constant fatigue and think it may be an Accutane side effect, you should see a doctor and get tested for the condition as soon as possible.
A diagnosis of ulcerative colitis starts with a physical exam. Your doctor will typically use any of three tests to diagnose ulcerative-colitis. A blood test may be appropriate to test red and white blood cell count, as an abnormal count of either could indicate the existence of colitis. Doctors will often take a stool sample as well to test for blood in the stool. However, the most common test for ulcerative colitis is a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, whereby an endoscope is inserted into the anus to look for inflammation or ulcers on the colon.
A study published in the April 2010 edition of the American Journal of Gastroenterology concluded that people who take forms of isotretinoin, the active drug in Accutane, are four times more likely to suffer from ulcerative colitis. Since this is a common Accutane side effect, any person with a history of taking the drug should take every precaution to ensure that she will discover any potential ailment while it is still treatable.
Courts have found Hoffman-La Roche liable in some circumstances for the development of ulcerative colitis in persons who developed the condition as an Accutane side effect. If you have a history of taking Accutane and have developed ulcerative colitis or any other ailment associated with IBS, you may be able to file an Accutane lawsuit. Rottenstein Law Group has 25 years of experience of protecting its clients' interests when dangerous products have harmed them.
The most common form of IBS that has resulted in Accutane lawsuits is ulcerative colitis, a debilitating disorder that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the rectum or colon. If you have taken Accutane in the past, then you could be at risk to develop ulcerative colitis.
A person who develops it may suffer from a variety of side effects. Though side effects are typically mild, a person may have fevers, bloody diarrhea, or persistent abdominal pain. If you notice any of these symptoms or suffer from constant fatigue and think it may be an Accutane side effect, you should see a doctor and get tested for the condition as soon as possible.
A diagnosis of ulcerative colitis starts with a physical exam. Your doctor will typically use any of three tests to diagnose ulcerative-colitis. A blood test may be appropriate to test red and white blood cell count, as an abnormal count of either could indicate the existence of colitis. Doctors will often take a stool sample as well to test for blood in the stool. However, the most common test for ulcerative colitis is a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, whereby an endoscope is inserted into the anus to look for inflammation or ulcers on the colon.
A study published in the April 2010 edition of the American Journal of Gastroenterology concluded that people who take forms of isotretinoin, the active drug in Accutane, are four times more likely to suffer from ulcerative colitis. Since this is a common Accutane side effect, any person with a history of taking the drug should take every precaution to ensure that she will discover any potential ailment while it is still treatable.
Courts have found Hoffman-La Roche liable in some circumstances for the development of ulcerative colitis in persons who developed the condition as an Accutane side effect. If you have a history of taking Accutane and have developed ulcerative colitis or any other ailment associated with IBS, you may be able to file an Accutane lawsuit. Rottenstein Law Group has 25 years of experience of protecting its clients' interests when dangerous products have harmed them.