Actos Diabetes Medication Linked to Deadly Side Effects

One of the deadly side effects linked to Actos is heart failure. This serious side effect risk has been known from the very beginning when Actos was first released onto the market. However, it was claimed that heart complications were lower with Actos than with its competitor drug, Avandia, which is made by GlaxoSmithKline.

Another very serious Actos side effect that has claimed a number of lives is bladder cancer. The side effect statistics are staggering when it comes to the risk of an Actos user developing bladder cancer. In fact, there have been some studies that state that if a person uses Actos for more than 1 year that individual has a 40% chance of developing bladder cancer.

As it is now, Actos is no longer allowed in two different countries because of the drug’s risk of causing bladder cancer. It also led to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a warning about Actos bladder cancer.

However, that warning came far too late for many that have been taking Actos on a long-term basis and now face bladder cancer or heart problems as a result. There are many former Actos users who are now fighting for their lives by having to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment while other Actos side effect victims have sadly passed away due to the bladder cancer or hearth complications they developed directly from the medication.

Because of these many tragedies there have been many Actos lawsuits filed either by the victims themselves or by their family members. In many cases the only way to receive the compensation needed to cover expensive bladder cancer treatments, hospital stays or funeral expenses is by filing an Actos lawsuit.

There have actually been so many Actos lawsuits filed that many were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). An MDL helps to streamline the litigation process and make it more efficient but, unlike a class action lawsuit, each Actos MDL lawsuit is still ruled on individually. The first Actos lawsuit is set to begin February 18, 2013 and will be heard by Judge Kenneth R. Freeman.  

Actos Side Effects

There have been several side effects linked to Actos beyond bladder cancer and heart failure. Some of these Actos side effects include the following:

• Fractures
• Increases the risk of liver problems
• Changes in vision
• Vision loss

It is important that Actos side effect victims know their legal options. If you have developed bladder cancer, a heart condition, or one of the other side effects listed above visit the Actos Bladder Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page and receive a free legal review from a qualified Actos lawyer.