Pancreatitis/Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large gland behind the stomach next to the upper part of the small intestine.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large gland behind the stomach next to the upper part of the small intestine.
The pancreas plays two crucial roles in the body:
- It secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to enable the body to digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream, which enable the body to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy and to sustain itself.
According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse normally these digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach the small intestine, where they begin digesting food. But if these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, (which happens with pancreatitis) they start "digesting" the pancreas itself.
The most current Accutane Label includes this Adverse Drug Reaction:
"Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been reported in patients with either elevated or normal serum triglyceride levels. In rare instances, fatal hemorrhagic pancreatitis has been reported."
The Patient Information Packet includes this language:
"Certain symptoms may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you get severe stomach, chest or bowel pain, trouble swallowing or painful swallow"
Pancreatitis/Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can manifest in chronic or acute forms. Both are serious and require immediate medical attention. Without treatment, pancreatitis can cause shock and even death. Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis involves severe internal bleeding (hemorrhaging) within the pancreas and is associated with a high incidence of death.
Symptoms may include:
- Upper area abdominal pain (usually central or left side, including radiation to left shoulder blade) which is aggravated after eating or drinking (especially high fat foods or alchohol) and is also aggravated by lying flat on the back.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Fever
- Mild jaundice
- Frequent urination and thirst
- Swollen or gaseous abdomen
- Iindigestion
- Hiccups
- Skin rash or lesion
- Clay-colored stools and/or odourous diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Lack of appetite and weight loss
- Elevated triglycerides
- Diabetes
For more information about the pancreas and its diseases, you may want to visit www.PancreasFoundation.org
If you or a loved one has suffered from pancreatitis or other complications from taking Accutane, please call or e-mail today and we will evaluate your Accutane claim for free.