Actos is a medication that has been connected to a variety of different types of side effects including the possibility of developing bladder cancer.

Some patients who have already developed bladder cancer have taken legal action by filing lawsuits against the manufacturer of the Actos drug. Many of these patients argued that they were never told about the risks and therefore, could not make an informed decision about whether or not the drug was right for them.

What Are the Most Commonly Reported Side Effects of Actos?

Users of the medication Actos have reported concerns, such as edema, upper respiratory tract infections, and hypoglycemia.

Other Actos side effects that could have serious consequences include bone fractures, cardiac failure, congestive heart failure, and pharyngitis. Some of these side effects do not require further medical attention, but patients who developed unexpected side effects are recommended to speak with their physicians as soon as possible.

What Are Some of the Most Serious Side Effects of Actos?

Anyone who has taken the medication Actos should report any of the following symptoms immediately to their doctor as soon as these develop. These include:

• Worsening vision problems
• Reddish colored urine
• Bone fractures
• The urgent need to urinate
• Pain while urinating

Can Actos Possibly Cause Bladder Cancer?

In August 2011, the FDA required manufacturers to put warnings about the possible risks for bladder cancer on the drug’s label based on a 10-year study of the drug. That drug was originally approved to improve control of blood sugar with exercise and diet among those adult patients who had type-2 diabetes.

Have Studies Found That Actos Could Cause Bladder Cancer?

Additional studies of the Actos medication
have found conflicting data about the possible connection between this drug and the development and risk of bladder cancer. Some other more serious side effects can include a rare allergic reaction.

What Are the Signs of Bladder Cancer?

Some of the most common signs of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and lower back pain primarily on one side of the body. These signs don’t necessarily mean a person has  bladder cancer; they could be related to any number of conditions.

As with many types of cancer, knowing the signs is important for a patient to report their concerns to a doctor as soon as possible. When a patient suspects that they might have bladder cancer, testing and screening is one of the most important ways to flag the condition early to explore as many treatment options as possible.

How Have Patients Reacted?

Some patients argued that they developed bladder cancer after taking the medication Actos as prescribed by their physician.

These patients argue that the news about an updated warning label came too late since many of these patients have already been using the medication for some period of time.

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer and you are concerned about whether or not this could indicate a potential connection between usage of the drug and a cancer diagnosis, consider speaking with the defective drug lawyer today to learn more about your options.