Accutane is an anti-acne medication formerly produced by Hoffman-La Roche that has been receiving a lot of negative press lately. Hundreds of Accutane lawsuits have just recently been filed by patients suffering from harmful side effects associated with this drug. Even though Hoffman-La Roche initially took adequate steps to minimize some of the adverse effects associated with Accutane, more and more evidence is pointing to a direct relationship between Accutane use and the development of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition characterized by inflammation and possible ulceration along the intestinal tract. Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis are two severe forms of IBS and are the catalysts behind numerous Accutane lawsuits.

While the number of complaints due to IBS related symptoms from Accutane increases, the relationship between IBS and intake of this drug becomes more obvious. The American Journal of Gastroenterology published a recent study in April of 2010 corroborating this causal relationship. It was shown in this study that prolonged use of the isoretinoin, the active component in Accutane, quadruples the risk of developing severe forms of IBS such as ulcerative colitis.

An Alabama man, known to have taken Accutane, underwent surgical intervention to have his colon removed due to severe IBS and was then awarded a substantial sum by a New Jersey jury last February. Though he was originally awarded $2.6 million in 2007, the case was appealed, overturned, and then retried. Ultimately, he made a better case the second time around and was awarded $25.16 million by the jury.

The public is safeguarded from companies who market and distribute dangerous produce by consumer protection laws that also hold these companies liable and seek proper compensation for any harm that may have been inflicted by these products. Those who are able to successfully prosecute against these companies may receive reimbursement for any medical expenses accrued and for lost wages due to time lost at work. The jury may also decide to give a monetary amount to the physical distress the patient has experienced, compensating for the pain and suffering due to Accutane and its adverse side effects.

It is evident by the increasing number of cases that Accutane is a dangerous drug due to its direct causal relationship with IBS. Those that have taken the anti-acne medication Accutane and developed IBS or IBS related symptoms have the opportunity to seek punitive damages through an Accutane lawsuit. Should you wish to learn more about the ongoing litigation, you may visit the Accutane lawsuit settlement website.

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