Actos (Pioglitazone) Linked to Serious Side Effects Including Bladder Cancer, Heart Failure
When your doctor prescribed Actos, you thought it would help manage your Type 2 diabetes. You didn’t know that it may be linked to bladder cancer. If you took the diabetes drug Actos and developed bladder cancer or another serious side effect, you may be entitled to money damages for your injuries. Contact the drug injury lawyers at George Sink Injury Lawyers today at 1-877-987-8297 or submit a web contact form. Our helpful team of legal professionals is here to help you!
FDA Warns of Potential Link between Actos and Bladder Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that the use of the diabetes medications Actos (pioglitazone) for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
An on-going FDA study noted an increased bladder cancer risk among Actos patients with the longest exposure and highest cumulative doses of the diabetes drug. Another FDA study, which reviewed Adverse Event reports between 2004-2009, determined that Actos patients were at a “disproportionate” risk of developing bladder cancer.
Actos sales have already been suspended in France and Germany after a study commissioned by the French Medicines Agency uncovered the possible link between Actos and bladder cancer. Actos is still on the market in the U.S.; however, the FDA has demanded that a Black Box Warning about the possible increased risk of bladder cancer be added to the Warnings and Precautions section of Actos’ label.
Other Serious Actos Side Effects
In addition to a possible increased risk of developing bladder cancer, patients taking the Actos may also be at risk for:
- Heart failure or other cardiovascular problems
- Rhabdomyolysis – The FDA is continuing to evaluate this issue to determine the need for regulatory action. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle fibers that leads to the dangerous release of muscle fiber contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream.
- Bone Fractures – especially lower limb, arm and leg fractures.
Other serious side effects may include:
- Changes in vision or vision loss
- Frequent, painful or difficult urination
- Cloudy, discolored or bloody urine
- Back or abdominal pain
Get medical help immediately if you have experienced any of these serious symptoms. However, do not stop taking Actos without first consulting your doctor.
Brand Names of Drugs Containing Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone is the active ingredient in Actos. The following drugs also contain pioglitazone and may have similar side effects:
- Actoplus Met
- Actoplus Met XR
- Duetact
Actos Bladder Cancer Side Effects Lawsuits
The drug injury lawyers at George Sink Injury Lawyers are waiting to help you. If you or a loved one took the diabetes drug Actos or another pioglitazone-containing medicine and developed bladder cancer or other serious side effects, we want to hear from you. Our caring legal professionals can help you protect your legal rights, and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 1-877-987-8297 today, or submit a web contact form now.
*The information found on SinkLaw.com is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
