Drug Suspended after European Study Links Actos to Bladder Cancer

Will the FDA ban U.S. sales of Actos?

Sales of the diabetes drug Actos were suspended in both France and Germany after a three-year study linked Actos and Competact (another diabetes drug containing pioglitazone) to an increased risk for bladder cancer.

The European suspension took place in July. Since then, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a black box warning stating that use of Actos for periods greater than one year may be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. Is the warning enough to prevent Actos bladder cancer?

A black box warning is a warning on the package insert of prescription drugs that may cause dangerous side-effects. It is the strongest warning that the FDA can give and is reserved for drugs that have serious or even life-threatening side-effects. It is often given as a temporary measure while the agency reviews evidence for taking the drug off the market.

This seems counterintuitive. Shouldn’t a drug be kept off the market until it is proven safe?

Unfortunately, drugs are often rushed through the testing process in order to get them to market. In many cases, dangerous side-effects aren’t discovered until the drugs have been used for several years. Who would have thought that a diabetes drug could cause bladder cancer?

Learn more about dangerous drugs and drug testing in Dallas Actos attorney Kay Van Wey’s book, 7 Secrets the Pharmaceutical Industry Does NOT Want You to Know. This book is free to Texas residents.

If you have diabetes and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is important that you speak to a Dallas Actos attorney. If your illness may be caused by your medication, you may be eligible for compensation through a Texas drug injury claim. To schedule a free consultation and learn about Actos lawsuits, contact Van Wey Law at 800-489-5082.

Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

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