New Research: Acne Drug Accutane May Activate Celiac

Is Celiac Disease another Accutane side effect?

With much attention focused on the acne drug Accutane’s side effects, new research suggests that a byproduct of vitamin A, retinoic acid, may activate an inflammatory reaction in those individuals with celiac disease. Isotretinoin, the drug marketed as Accutane, is 13 cis-retinoic acid and is related to both retinoic acid and retinal (vitamin A). What does this mean for Accutane patients? Not much unless you already suffer from celiac disease, according to an article by Richard Burke, from the Accutane Lawsuit Center.

The medication does not appear to cause the disease but because it is related to retinoic acid it may exacerbate the condition even in those who didn’t know they had it and had no symptoms.

The research was published in the journal Nature on February 9, 2011 and was conducted at the University of Chicago. Based on their research scientists believe that retinoic acid can cause an inflammatory response in people who have high levels of interleukin-15, which is seen in patients with celiac disease. This vitamin A derivative has also been found to be a regulatory substance in tissue differentiation, and functions in the growth and development of bone and maintenance of epithelium, a thin layer of protective tissue that lines the intestines and is also found in the skin.

Accutane is thought to work by reducing sebum, a substance produced by glands in the skin. It is believed that by reducing these secretions the inflammatory response generated by them is also decreased. Among other serious side effects, Accutane, or isotretinoin, is also believed to be related to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.

Since Accutane was approved for marketing in 1982 there have been numerous FDA Accutane warnings sent to healthcare providers and potential patients relating to its side effects. Even though the original manufacturer of Accutane is no longer producing the drug there are still many other companies that are producing it in a generic form. Since this drug is both extremely effective and dangerous we can expect the FDA Accutane warning to continue as more side effects appear or are discovered.

Plaintiffs have won more than $45 million in compensation for Accutane side effects such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. That total is expected to grow as Accutane lawsuits mount and drugmakers pay damages or reach future Accutane settlements.

Source: Is Celiac Disease another Accutane side effect?
Richard Burke, May 18th, 2011, Posted in Accutane Lawsuit News

Find the Study Abstract here.