Actos Bladder Cancer

Actos, a drug designed to treat type 2 diabetes, may have a link to bladder cancer diagnoses in patients who have taken the drug for longer than a year. An FDA safety announcement concerning Actos and bladder cancer claims patients who have been taking the drug for over a year may be at an increased risk of developing the disease. Patients who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer who take or have taken Actos should contact an attorney immediately to discuss their eligibility to participate in an Actos lawsuit.

If you or a loved one contracted bladder cancer while taking Actos, fill out our simple case evaluation form for a free, no-obligation consultation to determine your legal options.

Actos and Bladder Cancer

The FDA released a safety announcement on June 15, 2011 addressing the link between Actos and bladder cancer. Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the drug's manufacturer, handed in an analysis of 5 years worth of study data in September of 2010. After additional analysis by the FDA, the data appeared to show a link between length and amount of exposure to the Actos and bladder cancer in patients, although the data shows no overall link between taking the drug and developing bladder cancer.

A study conducted in France also suggests an increased risk of bladder cancer in patients taking Actos. Consequently, that country has suspended its use, and Germany has stopped prescribing it to new patients. Future FDA Actos warnings may address their analysis of this study, which is ongoing.

FDA Recommendations: Actos Bladder Cancer Warning

According to the FDA Actos bladder cancer announcement, patients taking Actos should be aware that there may be an increased risk for developing bladder cancer, and should not take the drug if they are currently being treated for that condition. Additionally, patients should keep an eye out for signs that may indicate the presence of Actos bladder cancer, including:

• Pain during urination or an urgent need to urinate
• Blood or red coloring in urine
• Lower back or abdominal pain

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits

Patients who have developed bladder cancer while taking Actos may have grounds for legal action if Takeda Pharmaceuticals failed to properly warn them or their doctors about this risk. If you have developed bladder cancer while taking Actos or since taking Actos in the past, contact our Actos lawyers today. Our experienced defective drug litigators can review your claim and discuss your legal options with you, including determining whether an Actos lawsuit could help you recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.