The occurrence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are among the side effects of taking the powerful prescription drug for acne Accutane® (isotretinoin). People who have ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have an increased risk of getting colon cancer. Therefore people who have ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease as a result of taking Accutane®, may go on to get colon cancer.

In some cases, people with colon cancer may need to have a colostomy. This means surgically creating an opening between the colon and the outside of the body. Stools that move through the intestine then empty into a detachable bag.

Accutane® is a medication that was manufactured by Roche Laboratories to treat severe acne. Accutane® was recalled from the market in June 2009. The company said the reason for discontinuing the drug was financial. Many patients taking the medication had serious complications from the drug and have brought successful Accutane® lawsuits against Roche, making the company pay millions in damages.

Side Effects of Accutane®

Accutane®'s potentially severe side effects have been known to the medical community for years. These include skin problems such as:

• Serious rash
• Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the tissue around the eyes
• Blisters on the face, arms, or legs
• Skin that starts to flake off
• Sores occurring in the nose, eyes, mouth, or throat

Other severe side effects from taking Accutane® could indicate injuries to the internal organs, including the pancreas, liver, intestines and esophagus. If these organs become damaged, they might not improve.

Additional reactions to Accutane® may include:

• Serious pain in the stomach, bowel or chest
• Pain or difficulty upon swallowing
• Heartburn that is new or that gets worse
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Pain in the bones and muscles
• Back pain
• Miscarriage, birth defects, or premature birth
• Serious problems of the brain caused by increased pressure that could lead to permanent loss of vision. Some indications of increased brain pressure include bad headache, dizziness, seizures, stroke, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting
• Broken bones
• Hearing loss that could be permanent
• Dryness of the eyes
• Rise in blood fats and cholesterol levels
• Serious allergic reactions that include hives, swelling of the face or mouth, problems breathing
• Blood sugar problems, including diabetes
• Decreased numbers of white and red blood cells

Do You Have Accutane® Colon Cancer?

If you or someone you love has had serious complications from taking Accutane®, you should seek the advice of an attorney. If you've been diagnosed with colon cancer and have a history of using Accutane®, you may qualify to seek compensation for your damages.

Contact an Accutane recall attorney now for a free consultation.