Lowell Steiger's Los Angeles Law Blog

Actos Users Beware: Danger of Heart Attacks, Bladder Cancer

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)

Bladder Cancer

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 [email protected]

 

NuvaRing Vaginal Contraceptive: Blood Clots, Heart Attacks, Strokes, Death

NuvaRing is a combination hormonal contraceptive ring that is inserted into a woman's vagina to prevent pregnancies. The FDA approved its use in October of 2001 but the product, which is manufactured by Organon USA, wasn't introduced into the market until July 2002.
The flexible polyethylene ring contains estrogen and a form of progestin. The ring is used by over 1.5 million women around the world. NuvaRing is considered a third generation contraceptive and was initially said to have fewer side effects.

How NuvaRing Works

The NuvaRing works by releasing a steady dose of the hormones into the bloodstream where it is absorbed through the vaginal wall. Women wear the ring for three weeks and then it is removed for one week. This prevents the ovaries from producing an egg, the uterus lining thins out preventing a fertilized egg from being implanted and the thickened cervical mucous prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

The Possible Danger(s) To You

 NuvaRing Side Effects

The NuvaRing has had its share of side effects including cardiovascular problems, cardiac arrest, blood clots, strokes and even death. As far back as 2003 the New England Journal of Medicine released a study that showed that the level of estrogen that was found in the NuvaRing was responsible for an increase in blood clots and cardiac problems.

Cardiovascular Problems

Cardiac Arrest

Blood Clots

Strokes

Death

 

 

In the past there has been an increased risk of blood clots in contraceptives that contained desogestrel rather than other types of progestins. In November 1995, the Food and Drug Administration stated that "new studies indicate about a two-fold increase in the risk of venous blood clots associated with products containing desogestrel."

If you experience a blood clot in your legs and they are not caught in time or left untreated, they can travel to your lungs and result in death. You can also develop blood clots in your eye and the end result could be a partial loss of vision or blindness.

Justice For Your Injuries 

If you have used the NuvaRing birth control and suffered any of the side effects mentioned here - blood clot, stroke, or heart attack - you may want to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of NuvaRing.

If you haven't used the NuvaRing 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 [email protected]