Studies have shown that some persons who have taken Accutane® have developed ulcerative colitis. Accutane® (isotretinoin), which was recalled in June 2009, was prescribed for severe acne. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulcerative colitis results in constant inflammation of the digestive tract. Persons with colitis suffer from abdominal pain and diarrhea. The disease often weakens its victims and complications from colitis can cause death.

Colitis occurs in contiguous lengths of the colon. It is different from Crohn's disease, which often is found here and there in the digestive tract and reaches into a number of layers of the affected tissues.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Depending upon the form of colitis a person has, he or she may experience the following ulcerative colitis symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal pain
• A feeling of a need to move the bowels but being unable to do so
• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue

The most serious and dangerous type of colitis, known as fulminant colitis, occurs rarely but can be life threatening when it does. It affects the entire colon, diarrhea is profuse, the patient experiences dehydration and may go into shock. Complications of this type of colitis include severe distension and rupture of the colon.

At one time, doctors thought stress caused ulcerative colitis. Now, however, they believe that stress is not the primary factor. Today, some believe the disease may be caused by a virus or bacteria that sets off an inflammatory reaction. Heredity is thought to be partially responsible since the disease is more likely to occur in families.

Risks and Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

Risk factors may include:

• Being between 30 and 40 years old
• Having a family history of the disease
• Being white
• Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• Taking Accutane®

Persons with colitis may experience:

• An increased risk of colon cancer
• Severe bleeding
• Osteoporosis
• Disease of the liver
• Serious dehydration
• Perforated colon
• Inflammation of the joints, eyes and skin

If you or someone you love has taken Accutane® and later was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, you might want to contact a lawyer experienced in recovering significant financial rewards for such cases.  Our Accutane recall lawyers have experience in this area and would welcome your questions about the possibility of filing a lawsuit. The consultation is free.