Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Investigating Accutane Injury Claims Nationwide

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a debilitating and dangerous condition. It often involves severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBD can cause life-threatening complications and secondary conditions. In some cases, radical treatment such as colostomy is required. IBD primarily affects the digestive system, but it can cause damage to other internal organs and the inflammation sometimes spreads to other parts of the body.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Basics

IBD is an autoimmune disorder. The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the lining of the colon. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It typically affects the small intestine, and the inflammation goes deeper into the tissues than in ulcerative colitis. Both can cause ulcers, which are open sores.

Inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with Accutane use.

Effects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD can significantly reduce your quality of life. The pain and frequent trips to the bathroom, sometimes more than 20 bowel movements a day, can severely limit your activities, making it impossible to hold a job and even interfering with basic aspects of daily life such as grocery shopping.

Complications of IBD can include severe malnutrition, growth problems in young people, and conditions such as osteoporosis. People with IBD sometimes experience inflammation in other parts of the body such as the joints, eyes, and liver.

IBD can cause permanent organ damage. It is also associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment

Treatment for IBD typically involves dietary changes, anti-inflammatory medications, and immunosuppressants. Dietary changes are aimed at avoiding foods which trigger the inflammation and improve nutrition. The anti-inflammatory medications used to treat IBD are typical steroidal drugs and can have their own dangerous side effects. Immunosuppressant drugs suppress the immune system, leaving the patient open to other diseases.

Probiotics have proven effective for many patients who have tried them, but their role in IBD treatment is still being studied.

Patients who do not respond well to medications and dietary change may require surgery. It is very difficult to successfully treat Crohn's disease with surgery, because it can reappear in a different area of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis is treated surgically by removing the colon.

Experienced Accutane Lawyers

If you or your loved one has suffered Accutane side effects such as IBD, you may be entitled to compensation. Hagens Berman is a large national law firm representing pharmaceutical injury victims. We have the skills and experience to provide you with the high quality, aggressive representation you deserve.

Please contact our Accutane lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. Hagens Berman serves clients nationwide.