Actos and Bladder Cancer Problems

By Austin Kirk
Posted August 8, 2011

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The Actos lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have been investigating and reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who developed bladder cancer after using this popular diabetes drug. Although it appears that information has been available for some time about the connection between Actos and bladder cancer problems, Takeda Pharmaceuticals has failed to adequately warn consumers about the risk.

>>MORE INFORMATION: Lawsuits Over Bladder Cancer from Actos

Last week, new language was approved in the United States that will provide some new warnings about the potential risk of bladder cancer from Actos, ActoPlus Met, ActoPlus Met XR and Duetact, which all contain the active ingredient pioglitazone. However, the new Actos warnings still may not do enough to ensure that consumers and the medical community are aware of the true extent of the risk.

The updated Actos bladder cancer warning recommends that healthcare professionals:

• Not use Actos in patients with active bladder cancer, and
• Use Actos with caution in patients with a prior history of bladder cancer

The new label also recommends that patients contact their doctor if they experience any symptoms that may be due to bladder cancer from Actos, such as:

• Blood in the Urine
• Red Color in the Urine
• new or Worsening Urinary Urgency
• Pain on Urination

In recent months, much stronger actions have been taken outside the U.S. to protect consumers from the potential risk of bladder cancer with Actos. In France, drug regulators called for an Actos recall in June after a review of public insurance data found an increase incidence in bladder cancer with Actos use. After a review by the European Medicines Agency, new warnings were announced last month that require a three to six-month review of the drug’s performance for each individual patient due to the connection between bladder cancer and Actos use.

ACTOS LAWYERS FOR BLADDER CANCER LAWSUITS

As a result of Takeda Pharmaceutical’s failure to adequately research the side effects of Actos and warn about the potential risk of bladder cancer, thousands of users may have developed this serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Compensation may be available through an Actos lawsuit if you, a friend or family member developed bladder cancer after using Actos. To learn more information, request a free claim evaluation by our Actos attorneys.