Actos May Increase Bladder Cancer Risk
FDA Saftey Watch – Popular Type II Diabetes Drug May Have Link to Bladder Cancer
In August, 2011, the FDA updated warnings on Actos (pioglitazone) drug labels as part of an ongoing investigation into the saftey of the widely used Type II Diabetes drug. Pioglitazone (brand name Actos) has already been removed from the market in France and other European markets as studies suggest an increased risk of bladder cancer in long-term users of the medication.
FDA Statement: The FDA Actos notice on August 4, 2011 stated in part;
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that the Agency has approved updated drug labels for the pioglitazone-containing medicines to include safety information that the use of pioglitazone for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.”
Full Statement: www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm266555.htm
Class Action
In addition a class action lawsuit has been filed against Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly on behalf of all users of the diabetes drug Actos, according to AboutLawsuits.com. The class action suit is seeking financial compensation and medical monitoring as a result of the drug makers’ failure to adequately warn about the risk of bladder cancer from Actos.The report further states tha the complaint, “alleges that users did not have adequate information about the risks of using Actos and were therefore unable to avoid exposing themselves to a risk of injury.”
Bladder Cancer
If you have used Actos for over a year and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer you may be entitled to financial compensation. This is a rapidly developing case that requires your immediate attention.
Signs of Bladder Cancer Include:
The FDA recommends that you contact your doctor and discontinue Actos if you have a prior history of bladder cancer and warns of the following symptoms which may indicate bladder cancer;
Blood in the urine
Red color in the urine
New or worsening urinary urgency
Pain on urination