The dangers of the Type II Diabetes drug Actos have led to a plethora of lawsuits around the United States. What are the possible side effects of Actos?
New or worsening heart problems
(including congestive heart failure)
The side effects are of such a serious nature that a new WARNING was issued by FDA in June 2011. Here's a direct quote from the FDA Warning:
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that use of the diabetes medication Actos (pioglitazone) for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Information about this risk will be added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the label for pioglitazone-containing medicines. The patient Medication Guide for these medicines will also be revised to include information on the risk of bladder cancer."
Available only by medical prescription, Actos (pioglitazone) is in a class of medications called thiazolidinediones. Patients may have taken this drug under the brand name Actos or under the brand names Actoplus Met (pioglitazone and Metformin) or Duetact (pioglitazone and glimepiride) for combination products.
More than two million Americans with Type 2 Diabetes take Actos and many are increasingly concerned about Actos side effects. It is the most prescribed medication for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes generating $3.4 billion in sales in 2009. However, recent studies show a link between Actos and bladder cancer. Some Actos users are considering the filing of an Actos lawsuit for their injury.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first issued a Warning in September 2010 about Actos and bladder cancer after reviewing data from a ten-year study conducted by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, the drug manufacturer. Data showed a link between Actos and bladder cancer. People taking the highest doses of the drug, or had taken the drug for a long time, were most at risk for bladder cancer Actos side effects.
Before the labeling change, patients taking Actos may not have known about or understood the link between Actos and bladder cancer. They may even be have bladder cancer symptoms and not realize they are Actos side effects.
Justice For Your Injuries
If you have Type II Diabetes and took (or are taking) Actos and suffered any of the side effects mentioned here - new or worsening heart problems (including congestive heart failure) or bladder cancer - you may want to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Actos.
If you haven't taken Actos yourself but a family member or close friend has, tell them to contact me to evaluate your concerns and provide you with the utmost in legal guidance.
Contact Attorney Lowell Steiger to Discuss Your Legal Rights
Your Consultation is FREE
(323) 852-1100
(877) 487-8221
e-mail lowell@steigerlaw.com
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