Actos Lawsuit

Actos (pioglitazone) is a Type 2 diabetes drug which has been linked to bladder cancer and other injuries.

Oral diabetes medication Actos (pioglitazone) is made by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and co-marketed in the United States by Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals. Actos is used to control type-2 diabetes in patients whose condition is not adequately controlled by diet and exercise alone. Actos belongs to a class of drugs called Thiazolidinedione drugs, which work to lower blood glucose levels and increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Pioglitazone may be prescribed alone (as Actos) or in combination with other active ingredients such as metformin (sold as Actoplus Met) or glimepiride (sold as Duetact). A patient’s drug regiment may also include insulin or other medications in addition to those containing pioglitazone.

Bladder Cancer Lawsuits filed

In August 2011, the first lawsuits were filed against Actos manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals blaming the diabetes drug for instances of bladder cancer. Victims are suing for financial compensation for the cost of hospital bills and loss of income, as well as physical and emotional suffering. Legal experts predict that these are the first of many Actos lawsuits that will be filed.

Heart Risks Also a Concern

Actos has been favored for its once-a-day dose and its success with controlling blood sugar. Once competing drug Avandia was linked to serious risk of heart attack in 2006, Actos’ popularity quickly increased and sales had climbed from $2.9 billion to $4.3 billion by 2010. Sales are likely to take a hit with the revelation of the research linking long-term Actos use to bladder cancer.

If you are taking Actos and are concerned about the risk of bladder cancer posed by this medication, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. Remember, it is crucial to speak with a qualified physician before changing your treatment regiment or stopping Actos. Patients who choose to continue use of Actos should be made aware of the possible side effect risks and the symptoms of these complications.