Accutane and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The medical term “inflammatory bowel disease” (IBD) is not a single condition, but actually a term to refer to a number of conditions. Two of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Inflammatory bowel diseases are so destructive and unfortunate because not only do they cause severe discomfort and pain, but they are also chronic and therefore affect the victim for the remainder of his or her life. Despite the lack of cure for these diseases, doctors can manage symptoms and pain through medical treatment, but the victim may still suffer from occasional episodes or “flare-ups” that could severely compromise a person’s quality of life.
Inflammatory bowel diseases occur when either the small or large intestines get inflamed and swollen. This happens when the immune system responds too aggressively to bacteria in the digestive tract. There is no official cause of inflammatory bowel disease, but most medical professionals link it to genetics, viruses, stress, vitamin deficiency, or in some cases, even external agents like prescription medication. In fact, since 2006, the anti-acne prescription drug Accutane has been linked to a number of inflammatory bowel disease cases. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause severe pain and discomfort that could interrupt your daily life. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis The most fundamental difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is where the inflammation is located. Ulcerative colitis affects the inner lining of the colon where ulcers begin forming. On the other hand, Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract – from the mouth to the anus – but generally targets the small and large intestines. Both of these conditions can have waxing and waning periods where the pain and intensity of the illness varies in severity. Some common symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease include the following:
Patients who suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease may also experience inflammation in other areas of the body. These conditions also increase one’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you begin experiencing any of the above symptoms and are taking a generic form of Accutane or if you have taken Accutane in the past, you need to see a doctor immediately and may want to consider discontinue use of this medication. Treatment Options Treatment options for inflammatory bowel disease are actually quite limited. In fact, one of the most frustrating parts of suffering from IBD is the insufficient treatment options. IBD is not curable, but the symptoms can be managed and controlled with anti-inflammatory prescription medication like Sulfasalazine and Mesalamine. Some doctors may also prescribe immune suppressants such as Azathioprine. In other cases, the patient may require surgery to alter the intestines or even remove the colon. Surgery can help keep symptoms in remission as much as possible, but cannot cure the condition. Unfortunately, even with treatment, symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can arise at any point. If you suffer from any of these issues, you may want to consider retaining the services of an Accutane lawyer. |