Is Your Diabetes Medicine Helping or Hurting? What You Need to Know About Actos
Bladder Cancer from a Diabetes Medicine?
A survey conducted by the American Diabetes Association estimated that, in the U.S. alone, 25 million people have diabetes and 95 percent of those diagnosed have Type 2 diabetes. Actos, also known as pioglitazone hydrochloride, is considered one of the most effective treatment options for this disease. Released in 1999 by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. and Eli Lilly & Co., Actos works by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. But while effective in treating the symptoms of diabetes, concerns have risen over the drug’s long-term safety.
The FDA issued a drug safety alert about Actos in 2011, warning that the use of the drug for more than one year could result in an increased risk of bladder cancer. Due to this risk, Actos was suspended in France by 2012. Canada’s drug safety agency also released a report that found patients taking Actos have more than two times the risk of bladder cancer than those who are not taking this potentially hazardous drug. An estimated 4,000 Actos lawsuits are active in the U.S.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals Co. has been accused of knowing that Actos could lead to bladder cancer before the drug’s release and for not disclosing this information on its packaging. Revised drug labels now indicate that the use of Actos for over one year does in fact raise the patient’s likelihood of developing bladder cancer.
Am I eligible for compensation from my use of Actos?
If you have bladder cancer and used Actos, contact an attorney experienced in drug claims to see if you might be eligible for recovery of lost wages, medical bills, and other losses. There are time limits on most claims for injury and they vary by state, so don’t delay if you have already been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Some other serious side effects of Actos include tooth and limb pain, congestive heart failure, low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, urinary tract infection, dizziness, and allergic reactions such as skin rashes or hives. For a more in-depth list of Actos side effects, click here.
Don’t Wait – Call Today!
With 20 years of experience helping North Carolina residents pursue claims, Ward Black Law understands the complexities of medical litigation and can provide sound advice with your full recovery in mind. Whether you live in N.C. or across the country, our dedicated team can help you understand your rights. Call us toll free at 336-502-6208 or contact us today.
