Accutane and Bowel Disease

In August 2006, the results of a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology confirmed that the acne drug Accutane (isotretinoin) is linked to increased risk for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

What is IBD?

IBD is a group of different conditions associated with inflammation of the intestines. In certain cases, ulcers (tears in the lining of the intestine) can form, causing pain and/or bleeding.

IBD includes:

Crohn's Disease—typically affecting portions of the small and large intestine (the stomach, mouth, and esophagus also may be affected, in some cases)
Ulcerative Collitis—typically affecting continuous stretches of the lower parts of the large intestine and the rectum

Symptoms of IBD

Symptoms may vary with the particular form of IBD a person has, but generally include:

Abdominal pain
Recurring diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Bloody stools
Weight loss
Fatigue
Unexplained fever
Yellow skin or eyes
Dark urine

It's not clear what causes IBD, but it can be a chronic, recurring condition that can cause organ damage as it progresses. Treatment of IBD can require surgery to remove portions of the colon and/or intestine in severe cases.

Because of its chronic nature, people with IBD tend to be at risk for depression. IBD also has been associated with a greater risk for colon cancer.

Accutane label update

Recognizing the association between IBD and Accutane acne treatment in 2005, the FDA required an update to Accutane's label to warn that Accutane use should be stopped immediately if there is:

Abdominal pain
Rectal bleeding
Severe diarrhea

The Accutane Medication Guide, provided to each person who is prescribed Accutane, also now states that "certain symptoms may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, intestines, and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane."

IBD Treatment

In addition to stopping Accutane use, treatment can include:

Dietary changes
Stress reduction techniques
Drugs to reduce inflammation
Surgery to remove portions of the colon and/or intestine

Treatment will vary with the type of IBD a person is suffering from and disease severity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A less severe gastrointestinal illness, IBS is a distinct disease from IBD. Sometimes referred to as “spastic colon” disease, IBS is not associated with organ failure like IBD. However, IBS can be associated with chronic pain and discomfort and can be quite debilitating.

IBS symptoms include abdominal pain that may be:

Relieved with defecation
Associated with a change in stool frequency and/or appearance

Individuals with IBS will often experience abdominal bloating and may experience either constipation or diarrhea, depending on the type of IBS they have.

Individuals taking Accutane have reported symptoms of IBS. Because IBS symptoms may resemble the early symptoms of IBD, it’s important for a doctor to perform tests to detect if there’s the inflammation that’s the hallmark of IBD.
If you or your loved one has suffered Accutane side effects such as IBD or IBS, you may be entitled to compensation. We urge you to contact an experienced Accutane lawyer as soon as you can. There may be time limits by which you must commence suit.

Please contact an experiened Accutane lawyer in your area for more information.