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Accutane® (Isotretinoin) has been used by about 13 million people since it first became available in 1982. Its primary use is for the treatment of severe nodular acne, in patients who fail to respond to other acne treatments such as antibiotics. Accutane® works by reducing the amount of oil released by oil-glands in the skin, and helps the skin to renew itself. Accutane was Roche's second-biggest selling drug until the patent expired in 2003, at which time generic versions could be sold. The names of these generic versions of Isotretinoin/Acutane are Claravis™, Amnesteem®, Clarus™, Decutan, Isotane, Izotek, Oratane®, Sotret®, Isotrex®, and Isotrexin®. Side Effects of Accutane® Along with other side-effects, Accutane® is suspected as a possible cause of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Even after treatment with Accutane has been discontinued, these serious digestive disorders can persist. While Crohn's disease has no known cure, ulcerative colitis can often be cured by surgery, but surgical removal of the large intestine and/or colon are as permanent and life-changing as the disease itself Side effects experienced by patients taking Accutane include severe headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, seizures, stroke, and muscle weakness. It has also been connected with birth defects, pancreatitis and lupus. Serious mental health problems, such as depression and suicide, have been reported with Isotretinoin use. Recent studies have also linked Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis as possible side-effects of Accutane, and these can be permanent conditions even after Accutane is discontinued. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is defined as a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. The main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While the diseases have features in common, there are important differences. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon. The ulcerative sores form when inflammation has killed the cells that line the colon, which then bleed and produce pus. The main symptom of this disease is recurrent diarrhea mixed with blood. Mucus may appear in the stool if the lining of the colon is damaged. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include: •   Rectal bleeding
•   Urgent need to go to the bathroom
•   Abdominal discomfort and cramping
•   Bloody diarrhea, sometimes with mucus
Crohn's disease causes deeper inflammation than Ulcerative Colitis. It can potentially affect other parts of the digestive system, including the small intestine, anus, esophagus, mouth and stomach. Common symptoms of Crohn's disease may include: •   Abdominal discomfort/cramping
•   Vomiting
•   Diarrhea
•   Weight loss
If you or a loved one have been prescribed Accutane and experienced any of these symptoms, please contact us immediately for a free consultation. For a free evaluation of your potential claim, call 1-888-446-8087, or fill out an intake form on this website by clicking on "Can We Help You?" on the upper right hand corner of the home page. Roche Pharmaceuticals notified the FDA that they were immediately discontinuing the distribution and manufacture of Accutane® in the United States.
Never discontinue taking any medication, including Accutane®, without first consulting with a fully licensed physician.
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