An Actos settlement may be available for individuals who developed bladder cancer after taking the type-2 diabetes medication.

Actos (pioglitazone) is a type-2 diabetes medication manufactured by Takeda. In 2011, the safety of Actos came into question when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public that use of the drug for more than a year may increase the risk of bladder cancer.

The announcement was based on five-year results from a 10-year study of the drug’s safety profile. These results showed that the risk for bladder cancer increased based on the amount of time taken and dosage. Following this announcement, the FDA allegedly asked Takeda to include a warning for bladder cancer on Actos’ label.

Another study corroborated these results, prompting another FDA announcement in 2016. In their second announcement, the agency said that Actos “may be associated with an increased risk in urinary bladder cancer, and we have updated the drug labels to include information about these additional studies.”

In 2015, Takeda agreed to a $2.4 billion Actos settlement which sought to resolve nine cases against the drug maker, consolidated as part of a multidistrict litigation. As of September 2015, 96 percent of claimants had sought compensation as part of the Actos settlement, and the multidistrict litigation was closed in 2017.

Despite agreeing to the Actos settlement, Takeda maintained that it was not at fault and that Actos is a safe, effective medication.

“Takeda’s decision to pursue this settlement does not change the company’s continued commitment to Actos,” Takeda said in a statement. “Takeda believes the company acted responsibly with regard to Actos and firmly stands behind the substantial data confirming a positive benefit/risk profile for Actos.”

Although the 2015 Actos settlement has already been closed, further compensation may be available to consumers who developed bladder cancer after taking the drug. This year, a new class action has been filed against Takeda and Eli Lilly, who helped to market the drug, alleging that the companies hid the risks associated with Actos. The Actos class action claims that the companies “knew that, if the medical community were aware that Actos could cause bladder cancer, it would not have been the blockbuster drug they needed Actos to be.”

Plaintiffs in the case further argue that the negligence and concealment by Takeda and Eli Lilly misled the public and put countless of people in danger. “The results were devastating—many thousands of patients ended up developing bladder cancer and the Defendants made billions.”

Compensation from an Actos settlement could help recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and more. If you or a loved one developed bladder cancer after taking Actos, you may be eligible for an Actos settlement or lawsuit. A qualified Actos settlement attorney can evaluate your case and, if you are eligible, assist you in filing a claim.

The Actos MDL was In re: Actos (Pioglitazone) Products Liability Litigation, Case No. 6:11-md- 02299, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.