Accutane® and Ischemic Bowel Disease

Accutane® (isotretinoin), a drug designed to treat severe acne, has been associated with a number of disorders of the intestines, including ischemic bowel disease.

The acne drug was withdrawn from the market in June 2009 for financial reasons according to its manufacturer. Many patients who took the drug were successful in bringing Accutane® recall lawsuits against the company for the severe side effects they experienced from taking the drug.

Ischemia means blood flow is lessened to a part of the body. In the case of ischemic bowel disease, blood flow is reduced to the bowel and results in inflammation or swelling of the colon.

Accutane® Bowel Problems

Accutane® is known to cause damage to the bowel. Roche issued a warning accompanying prescription of the drug, including a description of some of the side effects of Accutane affecting the colon. The company advised patients to stop taking the drug and see their doctors if they experienced the following intestinal symptoms:

  • Intense pain in the stomach, bowel or chest
  • Heartburn that is new or becomes more severe
  • Diarrhea
  • Bleeding from the rectum

Accutane® Bowel Disease

Among Accutane®'s side effects are a number of conditions affecting the intestine. Some of these conditions, which can be severe, include:

Accutane® bowel movements

Some problems with bowel movements in patients taking Accutane® are:

  • Severe bowel pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Sense of urgency to have a bowel movement
  • Stool containing bright red or dark maroon-colored blood
  • Blood without passing stool
  • Bleeding of the rectum

Because Accutane®'s side effects have been so common, severe and lasting, even after the drug is discontinued, patients who took the drug may still experience symptoms. If you or someone you know has taken Accutane® and think you've suffered from its side effects, you should seek the advice of an Accutane® recall attorney. Our attorneys have specialized experience and success in pursuing these types of lawsuits and can offer you a free consultation.