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.
