You might have heard of a drug called Actos and its link to
bladder cancer, heart failure, and bone fractures. What is it exactly, and how
are you affected?
If you are suffering side effects after taking Actos, keep
reading to find out how the drug can affect your life, and what you need to do
to prevent further damages.
What is so bad about
Actos?
Actos is a medical pill used to treat patients with type 2
diabetes. It is also referred to as pioglitazone, though the common brand name
is Actos. The diabetes treatment claimed to help regulate sugar and insulin
levels in the blood.
After years of research, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration found that patients who were taking Actos over a long-term
period—ranging from five to ten years—were at high risk, or had already
developed bladder cancer.
Other symptoms included:
- Bone fractures
- Heart failure
- Lactic acidosis
- Macular edema
Actos has been banned
in France and Germany
Epidemics of bladder cancer in France and Germany have
long-since proven the dangers of taking Actos. The recall of Actos in those
countries prompted the U.S. FDA to conduct a ten-year research.
Despite side effects,
Actos is still being sold in the U.S.
The FDA has not yet asked for a ban on Actos. However, a
black-box warning has been issued to consumers who are taking Actos.
Nevertheless, millions who suffer from type 2 diabetes are unaware of the risks
and dangers of taking Actos. Those who have been taking the drugs for long
periods will likely suffer side effects in the future.
Step one: Talk to a
doctor about your medical options.
If you’re experiencing side effects after taking Actos, talk
to your doctor about your issues. Be sure to bring up the black-box warning by
the FDA, and tell your doctor that you are concerned of the dangers and side
effects. Talk to your doctor about prescribing a different medicine, or ask
about other options in your particular case.
Step two: Seek legal
help.
As awareness grows about the dangers of taking Actos, more
victims have stepped up to take action against pharmaceutical distributors of
Actos in the U.S. Companies like Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Co.
are taking advantage of patients and selling them defective products.
Speaking to an attorney about your options might give you an
idea on how you can prevent further damage.
Though only a doctor can tell you the amount of damages you’ve
suffered and what your best options are in terms of medication, injury
attorneys have seen millions of Actos cases. Defective drugs and product
attorneys can determine whether you have a claim.
Find support among
friends and family members
Don’t suffer alone, no matter what sort of trial you’re
going through. It is always best to speak to someone about your concerns.
Whether or not you have a case, you may always count on attorneys who are at
least willing to give you a free initial consultation.
If you’re suffering side
effects after taking Actos, you might be surprised that you are not alone.
Millions have suffered and come forth about their experiences. Find a support
group or speak to someone about your issues—you might be making a difference in
someone’s life, if not your own.