Actos and Bladder Cancer: What Is The Risk?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease. There is no cure for diabetes, and those who suffer from the illness require lifelong treatment. But is treatment with Actos worth the risk of bladder cancer?

When it was released ten years ago, Actos was considered to be safe and free from the side effects of earlier treatments for type-2 diabetes. However, recent research shows that Actos may increase the risk of bladder cancer when taken for periods of a year or longer. Actos has already been banned in both France and Germany due to its dangerous side effects.

Actos belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, which are commonly used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. There are three drugs in this class:

Rezulin (Troglitazone)
Avandia (Rosiglitazone)
Actos (Pioglitazone)

Rezulin was withdrawn from the market after it was linked to drug-induced hepatitis. The use of Avandia has been restricted in the United States because of an increased risk of heart attack and other cardiac complications; it is now only used in patients when Actos doesn’t work.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began a ten year safety review of Actos in September 2010 to investigate long-term similar side effects. Preliminary data shows that there is a certain link between long-term Actos use and bladder cancer.

If you are one of the two million Americans who take Actos for diabetes, it is important that you ask your doctor about alternative treatment. Only your doctor can determine the best option for you.

If you have suffered bladder cancer after taking Actos in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages due to illness.

If you believe you may have an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit, Dallas Actos lawyer Kay Van Wey can explain your legal options in your free consultation. Call 800-489-5082 today for advice on your case.

For more information on drug approval and dangerous drug lawsuits, click the link above to request a free copy of Texas dangerous drugs attorney Kay Van Wey’s book, 7 Secrets the Pharmaceutical Industry Does NOT Want You to Know.

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

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