Many former users of the acne medication Accutane® have developed a disease called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accutane® side effects like this are among the reasons an Accutane recall was initiated in 2009. The manufacturing company claims it took Accutane® off the market for financial reasons.

While the Accutane® drug is no longer available for use, the Accutane® side effects are still being discovered in its former users. If you are a former Accutane® drug user and have developed a disease or other serious condition as a result, you should immediately contact an Accutane® recall lawyer.

Generic versions of Accutane® are still available in the U.S. Our attorneys are available to investigate potential lawsuits on behalf of patients harmed by generic versions of Accutane® as well.

One of the most serious Accutane® side effects is Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This term is used to describe two separate diseases called ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. They are very similar in that they have several of the same symptoms and treatments, and differ in that ulcerative colitis is confined to the intestines, while Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.

How is Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to other conditions. Those with the disease will often experience abdominal pain and cramping, with frequent diarrhea. This can be accompanied by fever, weight loss, rashes and sores in the mouth. When a medical professional monitors these symptoms, diagnostic tests will be used to ensure proper diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.

While there is no single test for the disease, the doctor will likely perform some or all of the following:

• Blood tests, checking white and red blood cell counts and protein levels (the tests can reveal anemia and inflammations)
• Stool samples, to look for blood in the stool and to rule out parasites
• Barium x-rays, these tests involve filling the colon with barium, a substance that appears white on an x-ray, and can be used to find ulcers or areas of the intestines that are narrowing
• CT scans, a computer-aided x-ray that produces a more detailed image inside the body
• Colonoscopy, to take pictures of the lining of the colon and the rectum, and also may remove tissue for a biopsy

Speak to an Accutane® Inflammatory Bowel Disease Lawyer Now

If you are a former user of the Accutane® drug and have received a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease , you should speak to one of our attorneys immediately. You have been injured by Accutane® side effects and deserve to be compensated. Contact an Accutane® lawyer today for a free evaluation of your case.