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.
