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Actos
Thiazolidinedione
According to the FDA, Actos is sold under the brand-name Actos (Thiazolidinedione class of drugs which help to lower blood glucosue levels), may be sold in combination with metformin (Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR) and glimepiride (Duetact) and may be used along with diet and exercise to improve control of blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In June 2011, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was reviewing Actos for a possible bladder cancer risk in September 2010. In particular, the FDA referenced a 10-year study submitted in which Takeda, the maker of Actos, had not indicated a statistically significant association between exposure to the drug and bladder cancer risk.
Specifically, on June 15, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated “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 (Black Box Warning) to include information on the risk of bladder cancer.”
Additionally, the FDA website also states that FDA it “is also aware of a recent epidemiological study conducted in France which suggests an increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone. Based on the results of this study, France has suspended the use of pioglitazone and Germany has recommended not to start pioglitazone in new patients.”
In addition, the the FDA website states that from January 2010 through October 2010, approximately 2.3 million patients filled a prescription for a pioglitazone-containing product from outpatient retail pharmacies.
Bladder Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, the bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer occurs in the lining of the bladder. It is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States.
Symptoms of bladder cancer may include: blood in your urine, a frequent urge to urinate, pain when you urinate, and low back pain. Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace is another. People with a family history of bladder cancer or who are older, white or male have a higher risk.
Treatments for bladder cancer may include: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and biologic therapy. In addition, biologic therapy, or immunotherapy, may help boost your body's own ability to fight cancer.
We Can Help
If you are type 2 diabetic that has taken Actos and been diagnosed with bladder cancer, the defective drug attorneys at Gooch Law Firm are offering free lawsuit evaluations. Please complete our online form or contact us at 1-800-672-4916.
Please navigate to the links below to find more information on personal injury and what individuals suffering from a personal injury can do to protect their legal rights or contact us.
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