Actos Lawsuit
What is Actos (pioglitazone)?
Actos is a drug that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of type-two diabetes in adults. It helps control blood sugar. The use of Actos is associated with a lot of harmful side effects, particularly bladder cancer.
Are you at risk for developing bladder cancer?
The risk of developing bladder cancer reportedly goes up as the duration of use of Actos increases. According to the warning issued by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2011, those who continue taking the drug for over a year are more likely to suffer from bladder cancer. This conclusion was drawn with the help of data analyzed from an ongoing ten year epidemiological study. The study primarily indicated that although there was no overall increase in the risk of bladder cancer by the users of Actos, an increased level of risk was observed in those patients who had been exposed to high cumulative doses of the drug over a relatively long period of time. An association with Actos or pioglitazone was also reported by the American Diabetes Association. This observation was included in the findings of a study that was published in the journal Diabetes Care April 2011 vol.34 no 4. It concluded that there was an association between bladder cancer and the use of Actos that extended beyond 2 years.
Interestingly, a link between Actos and bladder cancer has been acknowledged by the drug’s maker itself. Research and analysis conducted by Takeda Pharmaceuticals revealed that diabetic patients that have been taking Actos for over 2 years face an increasing risk of developing bladder cancer as the duration of its use prolongs. The half-way findings of this 10-year study were submitted to the FDA in 2010 against which the US governmental agency came out with a Drug Safety Communication.
Should you continue the use of Actos?
All the risk factors should be taken into account well in advance and follow-up sessions should be scheduled with those who have been prescribed the drug. While deciding whether to continue the use of Actos, the benefits that have been derived from the use of the drug should be looked at in relation with the risks.
Moreover, in August 2011, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the drug labels with the purpose of increasing awareness regarding the use of Actos. The revised drug labels indicated that the use of Actos for over one year raises the likelihood of developing bladder cancer. The label also suggested that physicians should not prescribe the drug to patients with active bladder cancer or prior history of the disease and patients should immediately see their health care provider if they experienced any unusual symptom such as blood in the urine, new or worsening urinary urgency or pain during urination. Such conditions, if experienced after the use of Actos, can usually be linked to bladder cancer.
Are you entitled to compensation?
If you or someone you know has developed bladder cancer following the use of Actos, you or they should consider filing a lawsuit. Such a lawsuit can claim compensation for the expenses incurred during treatment as well as take into account the pain and suffering that has been experienced. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the services of a lawyer who particularly deals with Actos bladder cancer lawsuits.
