Actos News Shows Increase in Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits

The latest Actos news points to a rise in Actos bladder cancer lawsuits, which began with the first lawsuit filed in August, 2011. Following the FDA warning about Actos bladder cancer in June, awareness of the link between the diabetes drug and bladder cancer spread nationwide. Many patients who have had their bladders removed as part of their cancer treatment are now coming forward to file an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit.

Actos Cancer News Came to a Head in June

Studies have indicated a possible link between Actos and bladder cancer for several years now, but it wasn’t until September of 2010 that the FDA announced they were seriously looking into the issue. They then reviewed the preliminary results from a 10-year post-marketing study conducted by Actos manufacturer Takeda, and discovered that those patients taking high doses of Actos, or those taking Actos for more than a year, had a 40 percent increased risk of Actos bladder cancer.

The FDA announced its findings in June of 2011, after which Actos cancer news spread like wildfire. Only a few days before, the French Medicines Agency announced a new Actos recall, following the release of data from a French epidemiological study that also indicated a link between Actos and bladder cancer. Soon after, Germany advised physicians not to recommend the drug to any other patients.

Actos News Now Involves Lawsuits

Since the first Actos bladder cancer lawsuit was filed in August, several more have followed suit. Actos bladder cancer news has reported on patients who were diagnosed in 2008 or 2009, for example, who only now are realizing the connection to their diabetes drug because of the FDA announcement. Many have had to have part or all of their bladders removed, and some continue to experience side effects of the disease.

Actos bladder cancer news has also featured spouses of the victims, who may be affected by these serious injuries. Spouses may experience loss of consortium and emotional support as well as loss of income because the injured spouse is no longer able to work, or lost a lot of time at work.

Actos Bladder Cancer News Resulted in Class Action Suit

A new Actos bladder cancer class action lawsuit was recently filed in Louisiana, with the Actos lawyer alleging that the drug is responsible for the plaintiffs’ bladder cancer, and that Takeda failed to adequately warn of the risks. Patients who took the drug at any time since its approval in 1999 may be eligible to join.

Meanwhile, in Actos cancer news, the number of individual lawsuits continues to increase, enough that the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation may approve consolidation of all cases into one court. The panel is expected to meet on the issue in December 2011.

An Actos Bladder Cancer Lawyer May be Able to Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from Actos bladder cancer, you may be eligible for compensation in a bladder cancer lawsuit. Contact Chaffin Luhana LLP today for a confidential case evaluation at 1-888-480-1123.

What’s In the Recent FDA Actos Warning?

On June 15, 2011, the FDA issued an Actos warning concerning Actos bladder cancer. What did the warning say, and what should patients and healthcare professionals do to ensure safety?

FDA Actos Warning

The FDA issued an earlier Actos cancer warning in September of 2010. At that time, they announced that they were reviewing data from an ongoing, ten-year epidemiological study designed to determine whether or not Actos might increase the risk of bladder cancer. The agency stated that they were looking into the issue because, “Findings from studies in animals and humans suggest this is a potential safety risk that needs further study.”

At that time, the FDA already had information that seemed to indicate that patients with the longest exposure and highest dose of Actos were at an increased risk of bladder cancer. In their September Actos warning, however, they refrained from concluding that Actos increased the risk of this disease. It wasn’t until nine months later that they issued another warning saying that that use of Actos for more than a year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.

FDA Actos Cancer Warning Alerts Physicians to the Risk

At the time of the FDA’s Actos cancer warning, France had also completed a large epidemiological study that concurred with the FDA’s review—that Actos was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. France implemented an Actos recall as a result. The FDA did not implement a recall, but instead issued the following Actos warnings, suggesting that healthcare professionals should:

• Not use actos in patients with active bladder cancer.
• Use Actos with caution in patients with a history of bladder cancer.

The agency also recommended physicians counsel patients about the symptoms of bladder cancer, and encourage patients to read the medication guide.

Other FDA Actos Warnings

Before this latest FDA Actos warning, the agency issued other Actos warnings. The most serious was a 2007 Actos warning about the increased risk of congestive heart failure, particularly for those with a history of cardiovascular disease. At that time, the agency required manufacturer Takeda to place a black-box Actos warning on the label, to increase visibility and be sure both doctors and patients were aware. Takeda and the FDA also issued an Actos warning in 2007 concerning reports of limb fractures in women taking Actos.

The Actos cancer warning has not yet reached the black-box stage, but additional studies may change that, depending on the results.

An Actos Lawyer May be Able to Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from an injury caused by Actos, you may be eligible for compensation in an Actos lawsuit. Contact Chaffin Luhana LLP today for a confidential case evaluation at 1-888-480-1123.

What is Actos Transitional Cell Carcinoma?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about Actos transitional cell carcinoma, mainly because of the June 2011 FDA warning linking the diabetes drug Actos with an increased risk of bladder cancer.

What is Actos transitional cell carcinoma, and how can an individual reduce his or her risk?

Actos Transitional Cell Carcinoma—Bladder Cancer

Actos transitional cell carcinoma is a type of bladder cancer. The FDA’s warning alerted physicians and the public to an increased risk of bladder cancer in those patients taking Actos for more than a year, or in patients taking particularly high doses of the drug. There are four general types of bladder cancer, but Actos transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type, affecting over 90 percent of bladder cancer patients.

Actos transitional cell carcinoma starts in the cells lining the bladder, called transitional cells. These cells also line the rest of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and urethra. In Actos carcinoma, transitional cells grow and multiply out of control, clinging together to form a tumor. Without treatment, that tumor will continue to increase in size, and cancerous transitional cells may eventually travel to other body organs or to the lymph nodes.

Actos Carcinoma Treatable, but Difficult

Caught early, Actos transitional cell carcinoma may be treated with surgery and perhaps chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapies. The prognosis for 5-year survival or more is typically over 90 percent. More invasive Actos transitional cell carcinoma, or Actos carcinoma at a more advanced stage, may be more difficult to treat. Why Actos may cause transitional cells to turn cancerous is still unknown, but researchers have found the link in several studies.

Victims of Actos transitional cell carcinoma have been blindsided by this serious side effect. Most had no reason to believe that their diabetes medication might cause such a serious disease. Though many undergo successful treatment, they suffer losses in terms of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes the spouses may suffer loss of consortium and supportive income.

Reducing the Risk of Actos Transitional Cell Carcinoma

The FDA warned that those patients at risk of Actos transitional cell carcinoma are those who take the medication for longer than a year, or who take high doses. To reduce risk, talk to your doctor about treatment alternatives, try to limit the use of the drug to less than one year, and take the lowest dose possible for your condition.

An Actos Recall Lawyer May be Able to Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from Actos transitional cell carcinoma, you may be eligible for compensation in an Actos transitional carcinoma lawsuit. Contact Chaffin Luhana LLP today for a confidential case evaluation at 1-888-480-1123.

Actos Bladder Cancer Side Effects

Actos bladder cancer side effects may be an unfortunate consequence for some patients who took the prescription drug for their type-2 diabetes.

An FDA Actos warning issued in June of 2011 indicates that some users of Actos may have an increased risk of bladder cancer. In fact, some information indicates that those who took Actos for a year or more could potentially have a 40 percent greater chance of developing bladder cancer.

Patients who develop Actos bladder cancer may decide to file an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit in an effort to obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.

FDA Actos Warning

The FDA warning on alleged Actos bladder cancer dangers was issued only two days after several European countries banned or warned against the use of the drug. The FDA’s concerns about Actos bladder cancer side effects are based on the results of their review of an ongoing study conducted by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Actos.

According to the 5-year results of the study, while there is no increased risk of Actos bladder cancer side effects among all users, those who took large doses of the drug or who were on it for long periods of time had a greater risk of bladder cancer.

On August 4, 2011, the FDA further substantiated allegations about the Actos bladder cancer link when they approved changes to the drug label. The label now contains a warning that the drug should not be used in patients with a history of bladder cancer or in patients with current bladder cancer.

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit

Plaintiffs who experience Actos bladder cancer side effects may want to work with an Actos bladder cancer lawyer to prove that the drug contributed to their developing cancer. The FDA Actos warning is one important source of evidence that can be used to prove Actos bladder cancer side effects.

Getting Legal Help from an Actos Bladder Cancer Lawyer

When a dangerous product causes an unintended consequence, like Actos bladder cancer side effects, the manufacturer of that product may be held responsible. If you or a loved one has been affected by Actos bladder cancer, contact an experienced Actos bladder cancer lawyer at Chaffin Luhana LLP at 1-888-480-1123 for a free and confidential case review today.

An Actos Bladder Cancer Can Answer Your Questions

On August 4, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning stating that Actos (pioglitazone) has been linked to cancer of the bladder in some patients. This medication is prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels.

An increase in this type of cancer was noted in patients with long-term exposure to the medication. Two countries in Europe have banned Actos, although regulatory agencies there have not yet issued an official recommendation. Those who have taken the medication and who were then diagnosed with bladder cancer may want to talk to an Actos bladder cancer lawyer.

Actos Bladder Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Bladder cancer signs and symptoms include blood in the urine, pain during urination or urinary urgency (a feeling of needing to urinate). The FDA began to investigate safety claims about this medication halfway through a 10-year study which showed a 40 percent increase in this serious illness when patients took the drug for more than one year.

FDA Actos Warning

Although the FDA’s warning was serious, the agency has recommended that individuals work with their physicians to determine if this suspected risk may impact them. The agency recommends that diabetes patients do not stop taking the medication without consulting a physician.
Some physicians have already stopped prescribing this drug and other similar medications due to the potential increased risk of cancer. Pioglitazone is the second thiazolidinedione (TZD)-type medication to have alleged, serious side effects. Avandia, also a TZD, was linked to a heightened risk of cardiac arrest last year.

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits

One patient, Nancy Rios, 54 years old, has already begun an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit. She allegedly developed cancer after taking the medication for more than 10 years. Rios is suing Takeda, the manufacturer of the medication she suspects made her ill.

Contact an Actos Bladder Cancer Lawyer

If you believe you developed Actos bladder cancer or had a serious, adverse reaction to this medication, an Actos bladder cancer lawyer from Chaffin Luhana, LLP may be able to help. Contact them today at 1-888-480-1123 for a complimentary case review.

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit Claims Allege Serious Risks

Diabetes medications are meant to help control blood sugar levels and prevent serious diabetes complications. In the case of the diabetes drug Actos, however, extended exposure may cause serious harm. Several Actos bladder cancer lawsuit claims allege that Actos increases bladder cancer risk and endangers patients’ health.

Actos Bladder Cancer Side Effects Warning

Two European countries completely banned the use of Actos, but the drug is still on the market in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an FDA Actos warning in June 2011, stating that patients with long-term exposure to high doses of the drug are at greater risk of developing bladder cancer. In August 2007, the FDA approved updated labels for drugs that contain pioglitazone, the same ingredient found in Actos. The labels warn physicians not to use these drugs in patients with a history of bladder cancer or active cases of bladder cancer.

Additional Actos Side Effects

In addition to the increased bladder cancer risk alleged in Actos bladder cancer lawsuit claims, this drug has also been linked to other serious side effects. One of these is increased heart failure risk. Due to these risks, some doctors are now prescribing different drugs for their diabetic patients.

Long-Term Actos Complications

Filing an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit can help those affected by this diabetes drug recover the compensation needed to pay for treatment and long-term care. Bladder cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other pelvic organs. Possible complications of Actos bladder cancer include urinary incontinence, urinary blockages, kidney damage and anemia. These Actos bladder cancer side effects may cause pain, discomfort and reduced quality of life.

Hiring an Actos Bladder Cancer Lawyer

The laws regarding defective drugs are very complicated. Additionally, the timeframe for filing an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit may differ based on your specific circumstances. Hiring an Actos bladder cancer lawyer is the best way to ensure your Actos bladder cancer lawsuit is handled properly. Trying to represent yourself in such a complex case may reduce your chances of recovery, which could make it difficult to pay your medical expenses.

If you took Actos for a year or more and you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be eligible to file an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit. Contact one of Chaffin Luhana LLP’s Actos bladder cancer lawyers at 1-888-480-1123 for a free and confidential case review. You may be eligible for compensation, and the lawyers at Chaffin Luhana can help.