Accutane Can Cause Inflammatory Bowel Disorder
The makers of Accutane, Hoffman-La Roche Inc, have just lost their first lawsuit for the drug causing Inflammatory Bowel Disorder. Nearly 600 plaintiffs are suing Roche for this condition, and this first win has cost the pharmaceutical giant US$2.6 million!
The plaintiff, Andrew McCarrell is a 36 year old man who took Accutane for cystic acne for a mere 4 months in 1995. He subsequently developed abdominal pain and was diagnosdd with inflammatory bowel disorder. Most of his colon has had to be removed and he lived with a colostomy for years. He has since had a reversal procedure done, but the lack of a colon has resulted in chronic diarrhoea.
The risk of inflammatory bowel disorder has been stated on the drug package insert, but this is not highlighted in the same way as the risk of birth defects is stated. Accutane is also linked to suicidal tendency.
Accutane is a very popular treatment for acne, particularly severe cystic acne. It is the only oral treatment that has disease modifying effects. Dry mouth is very common during treatment.
Other than the risk of birth defects, most doctors are probably unaware of the other high risk consequences of taking this drug. Inflammatory bowel disorder and risk of suicide would be two such problems.
The Roche rep has certainly never mentioned any risks other than dry mouth and avoid during pregnancy when she’s been to see me. Fortunately I’ve yet to prescribe this drug to any of my patients either! I haven’t had to…
Source: International Herald Tribune