Actos Mass Torts
Patients who took Types 2 diabetes drug Actos and were diagnosed with bladder cancer may have legal recourse. According to a FDA safety announcement concerning Actos and bladder cancer, patients taking the drug for more than a year may have an increased risk of developing cancerous tumors in the bladder. Because the manufacturer may have failed to properly warn patients about the possible risk of Actos bladder cancer, users of the drug may be able to file a claim seeking compensation for medical bills and other damages.
Actos Linked to Bladder Cancer
On June 15, 2011, the FDA released a safety announcement concerning Actos and bladder cancer. The agency released the Actos bladder cancer warning following a review of data from a five-year analysis of an ongoing study of the drug by the manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals. While there was no overall increased risk of Actos bladder cancer among users, patients with the longest exposure to the medicine had a greater chance of developing the disease, according to the results. Specifically, the study revealed that patients taking the drug for more than a year had a 40% higher risk of developing Actos bladder cancer.
In light of the link between Actos and bladder cancer, the FDA has advised that the drug should not be prescribed to individuals who have bladder cancer, and should be used with caution in patients with a history of the disease. The agency also advised users to be on alert for signs which may possibly indicate Actos bladder cancer, such as:
- Blood in urine
- Back or lower abdominal pain
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pain during urination
Due to the possible Actos bladder cancer link, the agency also announced that the risk will be reflected in the drug’s label and patient medication guide.
Actos Litigation for Bladder Cancer Patients
Potentially, Actos users who were diagnosed with bladder cancer may be able to take legal action if the manufacturer failed to properly warn doctors and patients about the possible Actos bladder cancer risk.
Update to ongoing safety review of Actos (pioglitazone) and increased risk of bladder cancer