Ulcerative Colitis is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the colon’s lining, which forms ulcers (sores) by destroying the cells in the colon’s lining. The ulcers may begin bleeding and producing pus.
Ulcerative Colitis usually affects males or females between 15 and 30 years old, but it can affect people of any age. Typically, Ulcerative Colitis can be treated with drug therapy, but in severe cases, hospitalization or surgery may be required.
Ulcerative Colitis symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal bleeding
- Loss of body fluids and nutrients
- Skin lesions
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea (that may appear bloody)
Ulcerative Colitis is a serious side effect of Accutane, a popular acne medication manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche. Other side effects of Accutane include Birth Defects, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Crohn’s Disease.
