Approximately 20% of the diabetes medication today is Actos (pioglitazone.) As one of the most commonly prescribed medications, this drug has earned Takeda Pharmaceuticals over $5 billion in sales per year. However, it has also been linked to some severe problems over the years.
The Alleged Dangers of Actos
Since its introduction to the market in 1999, some researchers have been wary. Over the years, many reports have emerged that paint a grim picture of the drug. Study after study has linked Actos (pioglitazone) to the following:
- bladder cancer
- heart failure
- liver failure
- and even bone fractures.
Studies such as Kaiser Permanente's 2008 decade long meta study concluded that taking Actos for a year or longer increased the risk of bladder cancer among patients. This damning study was no isolated report, though. Similar studies have emerged to allegedly confirm these suspicions such as France's Medicines Agency's 2006 to 2009 study, leading to their classification that this drug was dangerous.
After enough of these reports have emerged, and enough consumers complained about allegedly unusual side effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped in to issue a safety alert in June 2001 claiming there is as much as a 40% chance that taking Actos (pioglitazone) for a year or longer is related to developing bladder cancer.
Actos Litigation
To date, over 1,000 patients across America have lawyered up and filed lawsuits against Takeda Pharmaceuticals, alleging the manufacturer knew or should have known that this drug would cause bladder cancer. These patients are claiming that their bladder cancer is a direct result of taking their prescribed Actos medication.
If you have taken Actos and have similarly developed bladder cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for your Actos injury. Call an experienced product liability attorney today to discuss your rights.
