Accutane Side Effects: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 11:21

Contrasting The Accutane Side Effects of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis

Accutane is a medication that’s used to help treat the symptoms of severe acne, and millions of people used it before it was removed from the market in the United States in 2009.  The drug is manufactured by Roche AG, one of the true giants of the pharmaceutical world.  Unfortunately for many people, reports of serious Accutane side effects eventually began to arise, leading to calls for help to Accutane injury lawyers across the United States.  Two of the most common Accutane side effects were Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, each of which is discussed below.

Acne Drug Linked to Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Generally, both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are diseases that are forms of inflammatory bowel disease.  While there are many different similarities between these conditions, there are also differences, a few of which are described below.

Crohn’s disease can strike almost anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.  That means that the inflammation that comes from this condition can strike anywhere between the mouth and the anus.  The inflammation zone for ulcerative colitis is more limited, and is usually located in the large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition where the inflammation tends to be continuous through the affected areas.  However, Crohn’s disease tends to strike and arise in patterns and patches, which means that less actual tissue can be affected at any given time.

Ulcerative colitis inflames the mucous lining that exists inside of the large intestine, and it almost never extends beyond this thin layer of tissue.  Crohn’s disease, however, can have its inflammation move from the mucus layer of the affected area all the way through the outer wall of the area it attacks.

Lawsuits for Defective Drug Accutane - How An Attorney Can Help

While there are differences between the side effects of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the suffering involved with each is excruciating and can lead to a lifetime of consequences.  If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of Accutane side effects, seek the help of Accutane lawsuit attorney who have been holding drug manufacturers accountable for the harm they have caused for many years.  Contact the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.