Diabetes Drug Actos Connected to Bladder Cancer

By November 26, 2012April 4th, 2022Actos, Pharmaceutical litigation, Uncategorized

Diabetes Drug Actos Connected to Bladder CancerResearch demonstrates a strong connection between the development of bladder cancer and the use of Actos, a drug prescribed to patients with diabetes. Actos is known generically as pioglitazone, and is categorized within the drug class thiazolidinedione (TZD). Actos is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a decision in June 2011 to deliver a warning about the link between Actos and and increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The FDA released this warning based on information gathered from an examination of Takeda’s own ongoing study of Actos.

As a result of the FDA warning, the Actos packaging has been updated with a warning about the increased risk of bladder cancer. Furthermore, the Actos patient medication guide was also updated in a similar manner with information regarding the risks of bladder cancer.

After reviewing data collected from a French study of the drug Actos, two European countries have since banned Actos. France no longer prescribes the diabetes medicine as a result of the findings from the French  epidemiological study. The diabetes drug Actos is also banned in Germany.

The French study was conducted by the French Medicines Agency from 2006 – 2009. The Actos research study looked at the health of 1.5 million patients. During the study, the French scientists discovered a strong link between the use of Actos and the development of bladder cancer.

Another Actos study which saw data linking Actos to bladder cancer is a 10 year study of the drug undertaken by Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Starting in 2002, The Kaiser Permanente data demonstrates an 40% increased risk of developing bladder cancer from the use of Actos for more than 1 year.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals developed Actos for the purpose of intensifying the body’s ability to use insulin in order to regulate blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Those patients more at risk of developing bladder cancer are individuals who have been using Actos for the longest duration, and those who are prescribed high doses of the drug.

Signs of bladder cancer include the following:

  • Blood in urine
  • Red-colored uring
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain while urinating

Patients already suffering from bladder cancer, or other bladder health issues, should not take the drug Actos. Also, patients currently taking Actos should discuss stopping the use of the drug with their doctors.

If you or someone you love has suffered from bladder cancer due to use of the diabetes drug, Actos, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your suffering and losses. For more information about filing an Actos lawsuit, contact Carey Danis & Lowe. Our pharmaceutical product liability lawyers work hard to win our clients the justice they deserve.