Accutane & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Side Effect Information

Accutane is used in the treatment of severe acne, often when other treatments have proven unsuccessful. The medication is linked to several serious side effects, including gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

A 2006 study published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology noted the link between the use of isotretinoin (Accutane) and the development of IBD, following reports of 85 cases of IBD linked to isotretinoin use.

Approximately 1 million Americans have IBD, with those aged 15 to 30 most commonly affected.

If you developed IBD following the use of Accutane, you may have legal options. Many of those affected by serious adverse reactions related to Accutane treatment wish to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering. To date, more than 5,000 personal injury claims have been filed against the manufacturer of Accutane due to the drug’s ability to cause serious conditions including IBD. Please call 1-800-439-8180 or fill out the form on this page to receive additional information about Accutane litigation and support.

Symptoms of IBD

Patients with IBD may experience the following symptoms:

• Severe or constant abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Skin problems
• Bleeding from the rectum

IBD, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic conditions that involve inflammation of the digestive tract. The two conditions are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While very similar in the symptoms that they cause, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease affect different parts of the digestive tract.

Ulcerative colitis causes swelling and the formation of ulcers on the surface of the lining of the top layer of the large intestine. Patients with Crohn’s disease experience thickening of the intestinal wall, most frequently in the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine.