Marketed as Actos, diabetes drugs known as Pioglitazone, were developed in the 1990’s as a treatment for insulin resistance. Prescribed as a method of improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, Actos helps the body use insulin and prevents the liver from creating excessive and unnecessary levels of sugar.
The drug is sometimes added to other medicinal regimens, such as metformin, sulfonylurea and insulin and can sometimes result in very low blood sugar levels when combined with other treatments. In addition to other side effects, Actos sometimes increases the existence of fluid retention, leading to heart failure or aggravating current heart complications further.
As early as 1966, some health care professionals have warned against the negative side effects accompanying the use of the Type 2 diabetes drugs. Although such drugs have been studied and researched over long periods of time, they still maintain their place within the drug industry as a continued method of diabetes treatment despite dangers associated.
Although the FDA has been studying and analyzing Actos along with Takeda, the drug’s manufacturer, some researchers have discovered a link between Pioglitazone and increased instances of bladder cancer among consumers taking the drug. Even those taking the drug for just a year experienced a 40% increase in Actos bladder cancer, according to the FDA.
Symptoms of bladder cancer that may have been caused by Actos include:
FDA Alerts Regarding Actos
Pioglitazone, marketed as Actos, Actosplus Met and Duetact, have been the subject of, even, recent alerts by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), especially regarding their role in heart failure. In addition to requiring additional labeling for the drugs due to their risk of exacerbating current heart failure issues as well as provoking heart problems in those who may not have previously experienced them, the FDA has begun to require more stringent labeling about bladder cancer risks associated with the drug. Though stricter labels are important, consumer previously taking the drugs or those currently under such a prescription regime may still be at risk for the adverse side effects.
If you or a loved one has endured serious injury or death as a result of Actos use, call our Actos bladder cancer attorneys in Texas and nationwide for a free consultation. Time constraints and limitations could interfere with your legal rights if you wait, no matter how strong your case is. Our product liability lawyers in Texas are now taking cases involving bladder cancer linked to the use of Actos. Contact a Texas dangerous drug attorney for a free consultation today. We serve clients in Killeen, Temple, Waco and throughout Central Texas.