Ask most people what they think of when they consider ulcers, and they'll respond with ideas about stress and stomach lesions. Crohn's Disease, which can be explained as a chronic condition of the intestine where the lining is slowly erodes and then becomes riddled with ulcers. Although the precise cause of Crohn's Disease is not known, it is believed that environmental factors can play a role in its development, and one of the environmental factors that has been linked to this chronic (in other words, incurable) disease is the use of the popular acne medication Accutane.
Accutane, which was approved by the FDA in 1982 for use as an acne treatment, was thought by many to be a great way for teens and others with severe acne to overcome their skin problems. Unfortunately for the makers of the drug, a company called Hoffmann-La Roche, Accutane has proven so harmful that it has been taken off the market. Hoffmann-La Roche has also lost millions of dollars in settlements linked to side effects which the medication has had on its patients.
Crohn's Disease, which is a more severe disorder of the intestines than the related general IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), affects the intestine by first creating aphthous ulcers (small holes in the intestinal lining). These then develop into full-fledged ulcers. This causes the intestine to narrow, ultimately resulting in blockages, punctures, and internal bleeding. Because Crohn's Disease goes through periods of remission, when no symptoms are experienced by the sufferer, it can be difficult to diagnose. This makes critical the idea of seeking treatment no matter how mild a patient feels their symptoms might be. Even if Crohn's Disease is not found to be the cause of discomfort or bleeding, there are other Accutane-related issues which may cause similar symptoms.
Crohn's Disease, which is a more severe disorder of the intestines than the related general IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), affects the intestine by first creating aphthous ulcers (small holes in the intestinal lining). These then develop into full-fledged ulcers. This causes the intestine to narrow, ultimately resulting in blockages, punctures, and internal bleeding. Because Crohn's Disease goes through periods of remission, when no symptoms are experienced by the sufferer, it can be difficult to diagnose. This makes critical the idea of seeking treatment no matter how mild a patient feels their symptoms might be. Even if Crohn's Disease is not found to be the cause of discomfort or bleeding, there are other Accutane-related issues which may cause similar symptoms.
While there is no curative treatment for Crohn's Disease, therapies have enabled those who suffer from this disorder to live comparatively normal lives. There are anti-inflammatory drugs and immune system suppressors, antibiotics, other medications, and surgery options open to those who suffer from this condition.
In May of 2007, Hoffmann-La Roche was ordered to pay $2,600,000 in damages, with Accutane cited as the cause of the IBD suffered by patients who had used it. This was the first step in acknowledging this lesser-known side effect - until then, while there had been other judgments, none were specifically for IBD or Crohn's Disease.
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