Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with bladder cancer and took the prescription medication known as Actos®? Find out if you have an Actos® lawsuit claim.
The popular diabetes drug, Actos, used to control insulin levels, has been linked to bladder cancer, heart attacks, and possibly even an increased risk of bone fractures. The FDA has issued an official warning that the drug may increase the chance of bladder cancer in patients.
A study conducted in August of 2011, regarding the side effects of Actos, found that nearly 22,512 side effects were reported from patients. Of the patients that reported side effects, 22% of them had bladder cancer. It is alleged that Actos may be the cause of the bladder cancer. It is important to note that the longer a patient has been using Actos, the higher their risk of bladder cancer .
Actos Drugs that are Linked to Bladder Cancer
There are several drugs, including Actos that have been linked to bladder cancer. Specifically, drugs containing Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and/or Metformin Hydrochloride increase the risk of bladder cancer.
The prescription drugs include:
- Actos
- Actoplus Met
- Actoplus Met XR
- Duetact
- Pioglitazone
- Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, and
- Metformin Hydrochloride
Actos Recalls and Warnings Issued by Government Authorities
In early May 2011, authorities were made aware of the potential of an increased risk of bladder cancer in users of Actos. A study analyzing FDA data indicated that users of Actos were at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than users of other diabetes drugs on the market.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made an announcement that it was investigating whether Actos increased the risk of getting bladder cancer. According to a study performed by the manufacturer of Actos, the drug did not increase the risk of bladder cancer. However, further review of the results indicated that high dosage users that used the drug over a prolonged period of time did in fact show a higher risk of bladder cancer.
Medical industry regulators in both France and Germany suspended any and all sales of Actos because of a possible increased risk of bladder cancer in users. The bans came after a French study of several hundred thousand people found that users of the drug Actos were at a 22% higher risk of developing bladder cancer, a particularly aggressive form of cancer. According to the study, the risk of bladder cancer was highest among patients taking high doses of Actos.
As a result of several studies, the FDA requires Actos to include a bold black outline around a warning that states the drug significantly increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure. A “black box” warning is the most serious label requirement the FDA can require a drug maker to include on its packaging and signifies the level of the threat.
Actos May Also Increase Heart Attack Risks
Since its introduction to the market, it was thought that Actos was safer than other diabetes drugs in regards to the risk of heart attack and heart failure. However, recent research is showing this is not the case. In fact, the heart attack risks associated with Actos are about the same as similar drugs on the market. The risk is significant, but the FDA claims that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks and so it continues to allow its sale.
Symptoms of heart issues can develop quickly, especially with high doses of Actos. In one study performed in 2003, symptoms developed in as little as one to three months after increasing their dose of Actos.
Actos May Even Increase the Risk of Bone Fractures
Research also suggests that Actos may be linked to an increased frequency in bone fractures among men and women. The link is found mostly in postmenopausal women and in men that were prescribed a diuretic in addition to Actos. The risk of fracture increases the longer the patient has been using Actos; however it is not solely limited to common fractures for people with osteoporosis. An increase in fractures of the arms and legs were also found with Actos use.
Compensation May be Available to Victims and Their Families
Each case varies in both the amount of compensation and the types of compensation received, but some of the compensation that may be available in a case include:
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Funeral expenses
- Pain, suffering, and mental distress
- Medical related bills
Actos Users – How to Get Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered from bladder cancer, cardiac problems, or bone fracture during or after using the diabetes treatment drug Actos, please contact us immediately at 1-800-THE-EAGLE (1-800-843-3245). You may also submit your information online safely and securely at http://1800theeagle.com/contact/. You and your family may be entitled to compensation from the maker of Actos. Our years of experience helping victims just like you will help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us as soon as possible as with certain cases in some states have time limits on when you can act.
