Actos Attorneys
Actos Bladder Cancer
As the most common form of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that creates high blood glucose and creates insulin resistance and deficiency in those suffering from the condition. Because the body is unable to process glucose in the blood, the substance builds up and can lead to many complications including heart disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and kidney damage. In order to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent serious disease, type 2 diabetes patients must maintain their nutrition, exercise, and take various medications.
Type 2 diabetes medications manage insulin resistance in the body and maintain glucose levels to prevent disease. Diabetes patients trust these medications to be safe; however, some diabetes medications have been found to cause serious side effects and life-threatening diseases in patients that are unrelated to diabetes itself.
What Are the Potential Dangers of Actos?
Actos, also known as pioglitazone, is a drug meant to help adults suffering from type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and thus preventing some of the many harsh effects that result from prolonged high levels of blood sugar. Pioglitazones work to reduce the effects of diabetes by altering insulin in the tissues and liver or a patient and reduces the quantity of glucose in the bloodstream in several different ways. All of this is meant to prevent glucose buildup and the harsh effects it has on the body. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now warning consumers of the link between prolonged use of Actos and a high risk of developing bladder cancer. The danger has been found high enough that France has suspended use of the drug completely and Germany has recommended that no new patients begin taking drugs with pioglitazone.
FDA Actos Investigation
When concerns were raised over the risks associated with pioglitazone, specifically that of bladder cancer, the FDA embarked on a 10-year study of Actos. In 2010, the FDA found that patients taking Actos with the longest term of exposure and the highest total doses ran a greater risk of contracting bladder cancer. However, results were inconclusive at the time to make any official warning. In June 2011, the FDA officially announced that the use of Actos for over one year can increase the risk of bladder cancer. These warnings were added to the labels of Actos and other medications containing pioglitazone, such as Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, and Duetact.
The FDA has also recommended that healthcare professionals not prescribe Actos or any other medication containing pioglitazone to any patients with active bladder cancer. In addition, the FDA has advised that Actos should be used with caution in patients that have a history of bladder cancer. Patients taking Actos or other pioglitazone medications that notice blood or a red color in their urine, greater urinary urgency, and/or pain during urination should immediately consult a doctor, as these may be bladder cancer symptoms.
Actos Bladder Cancer Attorneys
Bladder cancer is an incredibly serious disease that requires intensive costly treatment and has long-lasting repercussions for an individual and their family. The pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Farah & Farah understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges caused by dangerous medications and their severe side effects. We are dedicated to serving our clients and fighting for the compensation they need to recover from devastating illnesses and injuries. If you have suffered serious side effects or bladder cancer from taking Actos or any other pharmaceutical product, you may be eligible for compensation. Call Farah & Farah at 877-245-6707 today for a complimentary consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
