Accutane® was a prescription drug used to treat acne from as early as the 1980's. It was removed from the market in 2009. One of the most serious Accutane® side effects is a disease called Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's Disease is one of several incurable Accutane® side effects, characterized by the chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Like ulcerative colitis, it is known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Crohn's Disease is difficult to diagnose due to a variety of symptoms that may resemble those of other health problems.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea, which is often bloody
• Sores in the mouth and skin rash
• Fever
• Loss of appetite, which combined with diarrhea and other factors leads to weight loss
• Joint pain
• Bowel obstruction
• Anal fissures and fistulas; fissures are small tears and fistulas are an abnormal tunnel between two parts of the intestine or other organs

Diagnosing Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is one of the Accutane®'s side effects that is most difficult to diagnose. Doctors have to monitor symptoms and try to rule out diseases with similar symptoms. A specialist called a gastroenterologist may be called in to help. There are several tests that may be used in a combination to make a clear diagnosis, which can include:

• Blood tests- checking cell counts and protein levels
• Stool samples- to look for blood in the stool and to rule out parasites
• Barium x-rays- barium is a substance that appears white on an x-ray, and can be used to find ulcers or areas of the intestines that are narrowing. They are more effective in viewing problems in the small intestine than other techniques.
• CT scans- a computer-aided x-ray that produces more detailed image, CT scans can help detect abscesses
• Colonoscopy- a scope is inserted into the rectum and sends pictures of the colon to a monitor; during this procedure tissue may also be removed for further testing

Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease?

If you have been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and are a former Accutane® user, you should speak to an experienced Accutane® lawyer. There are currently lawsuits pending over harmful Accutane® side effects, including Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

To find out if you qualify to seek financial compensation, please contact an Accutane® Crohn's Disease lawyer today.