Nationwide Legal Help for Victims of Accutane
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If you have taken Accutane or one of its generic forms, and have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn's Disease you may be entitled to financial compensation. You should contact Gordon McKernan and the McKernan Law Firm at 1-877-247-3310 for a FREE consultation today. Alternatively, you may fill out our online form, and we will give you a free consultation to see if you are entitled to damages.
What is Accutane?
Accutane is an acne medication taken orally, which was developed by the Hoffman LaRoche company, a United States drug manufacturer. It is a synthetic form of Vitamin A used to alleviate severe acne symptoms. The LaRoche Group has brought in $1.2 billion annually for sales on Accutane alone.
About Accutane
Accutane appears under other prescription names as well: Amnesteem, Claravis, Decutan, Istane, Raccutane, Ratane, Sotret and the generic Isotretinoin. Accutane was originally only meant for severe cases of acne, but it has been discovered that dermatologist have prescribed the drug in mild cases as well - even though the risks far outweighed the benefits. Accutane works by inhibiting oil gland and cell regrowth and reproduction, allowing most patients' acne to clear up in several months. This in turn was depleting the body of molecules that hold water to help keep the eyes, scalp, skin and joints well lubricated.
FDA Response
The FDA has required a black box warning ( type of warning that appears on the package insert for prescription drugs that may cause serious adverse side effects. Usually has a black box that surrounds the text of the warning.) to be included on all containers of Accutane, warning of the risks associated with taking the drug.
ACCUTANE SIDE EFFECTS
Although Accutane can treat severe acne, it has been shown to cause severe and debilitating side effects. Over 5,000 lawsuits have been filed on behalf of patients of Accutane that have suffered from bowel problems alone. The lawsuits to date have yielded high awards and settlements for those who have suffered from side effects of doctor-prescribed Accutane. The side effects can range from mild to severe including:
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic (constant) medical condition of the gastrointestinal tract, normally involving the large intestines. It causes inflammation and ulcers and is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Severe cases have been known to cause bleeding, rupture of the colon, shock and even death. After several outbreaks of inflammation, the intestinal wall and rectum thickens and forms scar tissue. This results in persistent diarrhea. Attacks are often very painful and physically incapacitating.
Some cases of ulcerative colitis require hospitalization and surgery. Many patients must have the entire colon removed, resulting in a lifelong colostomy bag for the collection of digested waste.
Accutane users have reported experiencing UC symptoms immediately, while some may not experience them for months or even years later . There are several early symptoms of the disease.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is another form of IBD. Crohn's normally affects the small intestines; however, it can develop in any part of the digestive tract (including the mouth to the anus). With Crohn's disease, symptoms may be alleviated with medication, but if medication fails; surgery is required. Surgery would require removing the infected part of the intestine, as Crohn's disease is incurable. With Crohn's disease, even if you remove a section of the intestines, it can recur in another section later. Crohn's disease has several symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to one of the two specific types above: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. There are over one million people in the United States that suffer with IBD most between the ages of 15 and 30. There are many symptoms that could be signs of IBD.
Liver Damage / Liver Failure
Some patients who have undergone Accutane treatment have reported acute liver damage or even complete liver failure. If there is enough damage or failure, a liver transplant will be necessary. With a transplant are complications and extreme costs involved. To view symptoms of liver damage visit the symptoms page.
If several of these symptoms are experienced, it is necessary that you consult your nearest health care professional for a complete professional diagnosis.
What Do I Do If I Have Taken Accutane or One of the Generic Versions And I Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis?
If you or a loved one has taken the prescription, drug Accutane or one of its generic forms and have experienced any of the serious side effects, call our Accutane lawyer today to find out more about an Accutane lawsuit. Your case can be evaluated FREE today by one of our Accutane Attorneys. Fill out our FREE online case evaluation form or call 1-877-247-3310 for your FREE, confidential case assessment.
Under no circumstances should you discontinue taking any medication, including Accutane or one of the generic versions, without first consulting with your doctor.
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