Actos (Pioglitazone HCI) is an oral medication used to control type-2 diabetes when changes to a patient’s diet and exercise program are not adequate. Actos helps control diabetes by raising the body’s sensitivity to insulin and lowering glucose levels in the blood. Type-2 diabetes affects over 18 million Americans, and can lead to blindness, kidney disease, and heart disease if left untreated.
The diabetes drug Actos, like Avandia, has come under scrutiny in recent years for links to serious side effects including bone fractures, liver failure, and heart related complications. Studies have demonstrated that Actos and Avandia increase a patient’s chances of a heart attack by 42%.
Does Actos cause Bladder Cancer?
Recently, in June 2011 regulators in the countries of Franc and Germany halted the sale of Actos altogether because of a link between taking Actos and increased chances of developing bladder cancer. The French and German ban on Actos follows a study conducted by the French Medicines Agency. This Actos side effects study investigated the rate of cancer in 155,000 French Actos users and compared their cancer rate to 1 million other diabetics not taking Actos. The study found that the patients taking Actos for their diabetes has a 22% higher risk of bladder cancer.
Another study conducted in May of 2011 examined the Adverse Event reports to the FDA for Actos side effects including bladder cancer. The study investigated the FDA Adverse Event reports between 2004-2009 and examined 500,000 reports of side effects associated with diabetes medicines. They found that one fifth of the bladder cancer reports were occurring in Actos patients.
FDA Black Box warning for Actos side effects
Additional studies are confirming the potentially deadly Actos side effects in patients taking the drug to control their type-2 diabetes. Actos is found to have the same dangerous side effects as Avandia. The FDA ordered the maker of Actos to place a black box warning alerting doctors and patients about the dangers of Actos side effects including heart failure, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and death.
A study conducted by Dr. Steven Nissen and published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Actos greatly increases the chances of an Actos heart attack. Dr. Nissen reviewed 40 separate studies and found that patients taking Avandia or Actos were 42 percent more likely to have a heart attack compared to patients taking only a placebo.
Other dangerous Actos side effects
In addition to increasing the risks of bladder cancer and heart disease, Actos is linked to increased danger of bone fracture in female patients, Actos liver failure, Actos liver inflammation, and Actos hepatitis.
Actos was considered a safer alternative compared to Avandia, but evidence is mounting that Actos may be just as dangerous if not more dangerous; particularly in light of the recent European study pointing to increased risk of Actos bladder cancer. And the subsequent ban on Apros in Franc e and Germany.
Should you file an Actos side effect lawsuit?
If you or someone you love has taken Actos and experienced any Actos side effects including bladder cancer or heart disease, you should contact an Actos Lawsuit Attorney. An experienced Actos Lawyer will help you learn about your rights to compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Time is limited to file an Actos side effect claim. Contact us today to be connected to an experienced Actos Attorney in your area for a Free Actos Lawsuit Case Evaluation.