The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that use of the diabetes medication Actos® (pioglitazone) for more than one year has been associated with a 40 percent increase in risk for bladder cancer. The FDA urges patients that have taken Actos to contact a medical professional immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blood or red color in urine
- Urgent need to urinate or pain while urinating
- Pain in back or lower abdomen
Information about the risk of bladder cancer associated with Actos has been added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the label for pioglitazone-containing medicines as well as the patient medication guide.
Different Products, Same Risk
The active ingredient in Actos (pioglitazone) is also sold in combination with metformin (Actoplus Met®, Actoplus Met XR®) and glimepiride (Duetact®). From January 2010 through October 2010, approximately 2.3 million patients filled a prescription for a pioglitazone-containing product from outpatient retail pharmacies. The drug was one of the best-selling Type 2 diabetes drugs worldwide however, many users began to develop bladder cancer compared to those on other types of diabetic medications.
While the FDA has not ordered a recall of Actos – or for the product to be removed from the market in the United States – it has stated that after a review of data obtained from a five-year analysis, there has been no overall risk of bladder cancer in users taking pioglitazone however, there is an increased risk in users that have had long term exposure.
Consequently, the FDA has informed the public that there maybe an associated risk of bladder cancer in those that have been exposed to Actos for more than one year and added information about the potential risks as a warning on the label for medicines that contain pioglitazone.
IMPORTANT: Never stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor. Actos®, Actoplus Met®, Actoplus Met XR®, and Duetact® are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and are used here only for the purpose of identifying the products in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
Are You Eligible To File a Lawsuit?
If you have been prescribed and taken Actos for Type 2 Diabetes treatment, you may be eligible for compensation. However, every case is different and we encourage you to reach out to the legal team at Schmidt Kramer for further information.
We offer a free case evaluation to help determine if we believe you have a case and if so, there are no upfront fees if we take on your case.
Get the Help You Deserve
When you’ve been seriously injured, you have questions—turn to Schmidt Kramer and speak with a lawyer today. Our attorneys are ready to help review the details of your claim today and can guide you through the legal process if you have a case.
Call us today at (717) 888-8888 and learn more about the legal options that may be available to you. The initial consultation is free, there are no upfront fees and we are ready to help you today.
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