Will Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits Stop the Sale of Actos Generics?

Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Type 2 diabetes drug Actos, is facing thousands of Actos bladder cancer lawsuits. Several studies have linked the use of Actos and other drugs containing pioglitazone to an increased risk of bladder cancer in diabetic patients. However, these lawsuits may not be enough to stop the future sales of generic forms of Actos.

The Takeda Pharmaceuticals patent on Actos expires in August 2012. This will allow other manufacturers to create their own forms of the drug.

In 2010, sales of Actos generated nearly $5 billion in revenue for Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Sales dropped in 2011 as a result of an increasing number of Actos injury lawsuits filed against Takeda, but Actos still has a significant share of the diabetes drug market. This makes it tempting for drug companies to introduce generic forms of the drug. These generic drugs may carry the same health risks under new names.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted its first safety warning linking Actos to potential health risks in September 2010. Adverse Actos side-effects include fractures, macular edema, kidney problems, liver problems, and heart attack. In June 2011, the FDA issued a black box warning after two separate studies linked Actos to bladder cancer. The warning states that taking Actos for a year or longer may significantly increase a patient’s risk of developing bladder cancer. There are currently no plans to suspend sales of the drug.

If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer after using Actos, you may have an Actos injury case. You may be eligible for damages through an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit. To discuss your case with a Dallas Actos injury attorney, contact Van Wey Law at 800-489-5082.