Actos is a popular oral diabetic medication prescribed to adults with Type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Actos is pioglitazone and is part of the class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones. Avandia is also classified as a thiazolidinedione, and in light of recent health concerns surrounding Avandia, Actos has grown significantly in popularity. From January 2010 to October 2010, approximately 2.3 million patients filled a prescription for a pioglitazone-containing product.
Actos and other drugs containing pioglitazone are designed to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels by increasing the bodys sensitivity to insulin. Used in conjunction with diet and exercise, Actos and other pioglitazone-containing medications have proven successful in improving control of blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Actos Linked to Bladder Cancer
New research suggests that there is a link between Actos and bladder cancer. After analysis of five-years worth of data at the interim of a ten-year long study conducted by the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, the manufacturer of Actos, the FDA is informing the public that individuals who have used Actos or other pioglitazone-containing drugs for more than a year are 40 percent more likely to develop bladder cancer.
Similar studies were conducted in France with similar results. Due to the increased risk of bladder cancer, France has suspended the use of pioglitazone altogether. Following suit, Germany has recommended to not start pioglitazone in new patients.
Actos Side-Effects
If you have been using Actos or another drug that contains pioglitazone for an extended period of time and have experienced any of the following symptoms, contact your physician right away. Shortly after, contact a pharmaceutical injury lawyer to see if you have cause to file an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit. Adverse Actos side-effects include:
- Blood in urine
- Back or lower abdominal pain
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pain during urination
Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit
The manufacturers of Actos, the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, failed to warn patients of the risk in taking this medication. The FDA has since enforced the addition of a Black Box warning label informing consumers of the potential risk involved in taking Actos.
At Phillips Law Group, we believe that the makers and manufacturers of dangerous drugs like Actos should be held accountable when patients are put at unnecessary risks by their products. If you or a loved on has developed bladder cancer after using Actos, it is important that you explore your legal options before the statute of limitations runs out for you to file claim.
For more information on the legal rights which may be available to Actos bladder cancer victims or to schedule a no obligation consultation with an Actos lawyer, complete the free case evaluation form on this page.
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