Actos Linked to Bladder Cancer
Actos (Pioglitazone HCI) is a medication intended to treat type 2 diabetes – and is part of the drug class known as thiazolidinediones. Scientific studies have linked Actos to the increased risk of bladder cancer. Research found that patients with the longest exposure and highest dosage use were more likely to contract bladder cancer versus a newer user.
Serious Side Effects Associated With Actos
Actos users have suffered from the following side effects:
- Cold-like symptoms
- Headache
- Sinus Infection
- Muscle Pain
- Sore Throat
- Weight gain, due to fluid retention or extra body fat
- Nausea, stomach pain, unexplained tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice that can signify liver problems
- Changes in vision that can be symptoms of a serious condition known as macular edema
- Fractures in the hands, upper arms, or feet
- Low red blood cell count
- Low blood sugar
- Ovulation, which can increase the chance of pregnancy
- Bladder cancer, which is characterized by blood or red coloration in your urine, an increased need to urinate, and pain while urinating
If you have experienced any of the listed side effects as a result of Actos consumption, contact our experienced dangerous drug attorneys at (713)864-3000 for the legal assistance you deserve.
Black Box Warning
Some compounds found in Actos may cause congestive heart failure in some patients.
Patients suffering from any associated grave side effects should be closely monitored, as these can be signs of this serious condition. Patients who have a medical history of symptomatic heart failure, or who have suffered from Class III or IV heart failure, should not take Actos.
Actos may also cause a serious, rare side effect known as lactic acidosis which is characterized by malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and abdominal pain. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should exercise caution when using Actos, as there have been any established studies to examine the potential side effects this drug may have on unformed fetuses or nursing infants.
From the FDA
FDA INVESTIGATION [9/2011]: Increased Risk of Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension
Source: FDA.gov
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that use of the diabetes medication Actos (pioglitazone) for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Information about this risk will be added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the label for pioglitazone-containing medicines. The patient Medication Guide for these medicines will also be revised to include information on the risk of bladder cancer.”
FDA Issues Black Box Warning
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced manufacturers of certain drugs approved to treat Type 2 diabetes have agreed to add a stronger warning on the risk of heart failure, a condition that occurs when the heart does not adequately pump blood. The information will be included in the form of a “boxed” warning — FDA’s strongest form of a warning. The upgraded warning emphasizes that the drugs may cause or worsen heart failure in certain patients.”
Pioglitazone HCI Names
- Actos- USA, Canada, UK, Germany
- Glustin- Europe
- Glizone and Pioz- India
- Zactos- Mexico
If you have been affected by the consumption of Actos, please contact the Byrd Law Firm at (713) 864-3000. Speak with an experienced dangerous drug attorney who can provide you with the legal representation you need and deserve.