Actos, also known as pioglitazone, has been prescribed since 1999 to help treat type-2 diabetes patients by controlling blood glucose levels. Once referred to as the world’s healthiest way for diabetes patients to control their blood sugar levels with the least amount of side effects, Actos quickly became a best-selling diabetes drug. Part of the thiazolidinedione (TDZ) class of drugs, Actos works by making the body’s cells more responsive to the insulin hormone produced by the pancreas.

However, within a few years, patients taking Actos started suffering from major Actos side effects. Extreme edema, debilitating eye complaints, and bladder cancer – all from a drug that patients were made to believe was their healthiest choice. Another major Actos side effect that became increasingly apparent was Actos heart failure.

What is Actos?

Actos is an anti-diabetic medication used to treat type-2 diabetes. It is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals in tablet form for oral use. It works by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin and by decreasing the amount of sugar that is stored in the liver. This makes insulin work better to supply the body’s cells with glucose to use as energy.

Congestive Heart Failure Risk

The FDA required a black-box warning to alert Actos users of the possible risk of developing or worsening congestive heart failure (CHF). A “black box” warning is a serious warning that is printed in a black box on the top of the medication’s prescribing information. It is printed in such a way that physicians and other health practitioners will notice the warning right away. Companies are also required to send out notification letters to all practitioners when the FDA makes a change of this type.

The Actos black box warning states that some patients with known heart failure should not take Actos and that the medication may increase the risk of developing or worsening heart failure. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include:

• Rapid weight gain
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Dyspnea (difficulty breathing or painful breathing)
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness or lack of energy)
• Swelling of the abdomen or legs

Symptoms of congestive heart failure occur because the heart is unable to supply enough blood to the kidneys to rid the body of water and water collects in the lungs and peripheral spaces of the body. Congestive heart failure can be life threatening in some cases.

Actos Lawsuits

People who suffer congestive heart failure caused or made worse by Actos. are filing Actos lawsuits. CHF can be a life-threatening condition and in some cases leads to early death. Congestive heart failure is just one of many serious Actos complications. Other Actos complications include bladder cancer and vision problems.

In cases involving death, the surviving family can file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you or someone you care about was harmed by Actos, you may be able to seek compensation for injuries caused by this dangerous drug through an Actos lawsuit.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual Actos lawsuit or Actos class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Actos bladder cancer lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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