Actos Linked to Bladder Cancer
The diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) has been linked to bladder cancer, and the United States Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors to prescribe this drug with care. The finding is based on a study that examined results for patients enrolled in a 10-year study with the first half of the study completed. The patients who had taken Actos treatment for the longest, more than 24 months, and at dosage levels in the highest ranges, had a higher incidence of bladder cancer than the control group who had not used the drug. Bladder cancer is usually detected early, and may be treated with drugs like BCG, or bacillus Calmette-Guerin. New developments in immunotherapy may also be used in cancer treatment. Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your doctor for best results.
Symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain upon urinating
- Frequent urination
- Urinary tract infection
If you have taken Actos for any length of time, and develop any of these symptoms, it is critical that you contact your health care provider right away to discuss and investigate whether you may be at risk for developing bladder cancer. Remember, only your doctor should tell you whether and when to discontinue use of a medication. Diabetics need to continue to treat their disease as the long-term effects of diabetes may be serious.
If you or your loved one has been injured by Actos and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, the manufacturer may have failed in its duty to design, make, inspect and label the product appropriately.
At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of defective drug lawyers provide tough, aggressive representation for victims and their families. Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights, so please call Brown & Crouppen at Toll Free: 1-888-891-2022 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.
