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Accutane Ulcerative Colitis

Accutane is a powerful acne treatment drug, often considered a last resort by dermatologists treating severe acne. It works to reduce the amount of oil produced by skin glands, essentially decreasing the amount of acne buildup in patients. In this respect, it is often effective, but it carries side effects like any other prescription drug. Patients are told never to exceed their dosage – a missed dose should not be “made up for” by taking additional medication.

Common Side Effects

One of the most common side effects is a direct result of the medicine working. The oil that Accutane reduces is the same oil that protects the skin. Skin will become very sensitive to UV rays in sunlight and tanning beds, as well as any skin-damaging treatments like hair waxing and laser treatments. This same effect can lead to dry or cracking lips, rashes, itching and changes in fingernails. Other side effects often noted are joint and back pain, dizziness and drowsiness.

Serious Side Effects

Less common side effects are more serious, especially in the nervous and digestive systems. Prescribed users should contact their doctors or other medical professionals immediately in case of depression or mood changes, difficulty sleeping, numbness in the body, blurred vision or ringing in the ears, and migraines. Some of these problems lead to upper digestive problems like vomiting or loss of appetite.

Ulcerative Colitis

Patients have also noticed lower digestive side effects that mirror the symptoms of a condition called ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a condition in which small ulcers form in the colon, limiting nutrients absorbed by the body. The causes of UC are unknown, though there are conditions such as Crohn’s disease linked to UC. Recently, Accutane has been linked to UC because of ongoing lower digestive tract problems reported by patients.

Symptoms

The UC symptoms that coincide with Accutane side effects are severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, jaundice, and a change in stools to a light clay color or a black, tarry color and consistency. These side effects become symptoms of UC when they occur regularly after dosage of Accutane is reduced or stopped. UC is a chronic disease that will affect a patient throughout life. While these are severe symptoms that should lead a patient directly to a doctor, less severe symptoms of UC are joint pain, nausea and vomiting. Because these less serious symptoms are often overlooked, patients are urged to report any of them to their doctor.

Testing for UC is characterized by screening of the colon. A complete blood count, C-reactive protein or barium enema may be prescribed as the steps to testing whether the symptoms are a result of medication or UC. The American Cancer Society also recommends follow-up tests, such as a colonoscopy, every year or two even if initial tests are negative, due to the high correlation between UC and colon cancer.

Treatment

While UC can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, medication is only a treatment. Individuals who can keep their UC completely under control without surgery are rare. The only cure for UC is removal of the large intestine, an option that causes many to struggle with medication and diet regulation to control their UC as best they can.

The difficulty in showing a conclusive link between Accutane and UC comes from demographics. Individuals with enough acne concern to take Accutane are often teens or young adults. UC is characterized by frequent outbreak periods at the ages of 50 through 70 and – more pertinently to the discussion – 15 through 30. A correlation has been shown between taking Accutane and developing UC, but this correlation does not show whether or not the cause of UC was related to the severe acne.

Because of the potential problems associated with Accutane, the drug is closely monitored. Patients can only get prescriptions for short periods of time, and prescriptions must be filled within days of receiving them. The side effects and potential links to UC require the drug to be given only to those who will not be sharing blood, either through donation or becoming pregnant.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects or health complications with Accutane, fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with prescription medication. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.