(New York, NY, February 9, 2011) The number of lawsuits brought against pharmaceutical giant Hoffman-LaRoche is increasing rapidly, since it was discovered in April 2010 that taking the drug Accutane can bring on serious intestinal disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s Disease. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients who used Accutane were 4 times more likely to develop these disorders than those who were not prescribed the drug. Additionally, it is believed that Accutane was overprescribed when it was on the market. The drug was supposed to treat only the most severe forms of cystic acne, yet it was given to patients who suffered from more mild forms of acne, resulting in billions of dollars in profits for Hoffman-LaRoche, but unnecessary exposure of millions to debilitating intestinal disorders.
Accutane (isotretinoin), first introduced in 1983, was an overwhelmingly successful treatment for severe acne, but was not without significant side effects. Pregnant women were under no circumstances to take the drug, as it could result in serious birth defects. This side effect garnered the most attention, but others were not adequately addressed when the drug became available. Overprescription of Accutane has resulted in millions of cases of intestinal disorders, many of which are completely debilitating. In some cases, patients have had to undergo removal of a significant section of the colon, and in the most serious cases, the entire organ must be removed. Accutane was pulled from the market in 2009, as evidence of the inattention paid to these side effects became clear. At present, there is no cure for any of the disorders associated with Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, or ulcerative colitis. Medications are available to treat symptoms, but many patients suffer from chronic abdominal pain, as well as other life-altering side effects.
via webwire.com
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