Actos and Bladder Cancer
Actos, also known by the generic name Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, is a Type 2 diabetes drug that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It has been linked to serious health risks, including bladder cancer. Actos has now been banned in many countries, including France and Germany. In June 2011, the FDA announced that it was reviewing Actos because of evidence that taking the drug could increase patients’ bladder cancer risk.
Actos Side Effects (Bladder Cancer)
While recent studies have promoted the FDA to require stronger label warnings, patients increasingly find that the risks of Actos far outweigh its benefits. Actos has been linked to serious side effects, including:
- Cardiovascular (heart) problems such as heart attacks, heart disease, and congestive heart failure.
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Bone fractures
- Bladder cancer
Of these, the most frequently seen serious Actos side effect is bladder cancer. In June, 2011, the FDA warned that patients using Actos may be at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. Since then, the drug manufacturer has revised its drug information to include this risk, though Actos remains on the market in the United States. In addition, thousands of people took Actos before this risk was publicized.
In some cases, Actos has been implicated in the death of a person with diabetes. If your loved one has died after taking Actos, you and your family members may be able to file a wrongful death suit.
Filing an Actos Lawsuit
Actos is associated with severe side effects, which frequently result in hospital stays or expensive medical bills. If you are a type 2 diabetic, have taken Actos, and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may wish to pursue an Actos claim for damages. You may be entitled to compensation including current and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact a defective drug attorney to review your legal options.
Many people believe that Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, the maker of Actos, failed to properly warn consumers of the serious side effects associated with Actos, which are potentially fatal. Others believe that Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, which co-marketed the drug, is also liable for inadequately warning consumers of the risks involved with taking Actos. A skilled defective drug attorney can help you determine which party (or parties) may be held liable for your injuries.
Contact an Actos Lawyer
If you or a loved one took Actos and suffered serious side effects such as bladder cancer, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your options, which may include joining a class action suit against the makers of Actos.
Act quickly to preserve your legal rights. Proving a case against a drug manufacturer can be complex, requiring the assistance of an attorney with experience handling such cases. Assembling a legal claim against the drug company requires gathering medical records and other evidence, finding medical experts to testify in court, and other steps to make your case as strong as possible.
When you’re facing a claim against a drug manufacturer, you can assume that the drug company will be represented by a team of experienced lawyers. Don’t get talked into accepting a settlement offer that is far lower than your case is worth. Having a lawyer on your side can level the playing field and help you fight for fair compensation for the injuries you or your loved one have experienced as a result of taking Actos.
