More than 1,500 Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits Filed

More than 1,500 Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits Filed

By Jessica Tyner

When Takeda Pharmaceuticals introduced Actos to the market in 1999, it quickly became a top-selling diabetes drug, raking in millions of dollars for the company. Only recently has it come to light that the drug can increase the risk of developing bladder tumors and bladder cancer in patients who take Actos for prolonged periods of time.

Studies have revealed that long-term use of Actos leads to an increased risk of bladder cancer, but what’s long term? According to the FDA, it’s just one year. Most type-2 diabetes patients are on their prescriptions for life, and certainly for over one year. The FDA demanded that Takeda update warning labels in August of 2011, but the drug is still exceptionally popular. Bladder tumors can form quickly and undetected unless an Actos patient or their doctor is continuously screening for them.

The first Actos bladder cancer trials are being planned now and slated to begin in January 2014. The second set of trials is set for April. These “bellwether” trials will set the stage for a slew of Actos lawsuits filed by victims and their families. In addition to the current 1,500 Actos lawsuits on deck, there are also numerous state Actos lawsuits. Unfortunately, bladder cancer comes with some heartbreaking statistics, and many of these Actos lawsuit plaintiffs may not be able to see their day in court.

The Reality of Bladder Cancer

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) cites that bladder cancer is the most expensive to treat, and it requires lifelong care even if a person achieves remission. It also has a 50-80 percent recurrence rate, so being “out of the woods” for Actos victims isn’t a feasible reality. About 73,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, and smoking can increase a person’s risk of diagnosis — even if they have Actos cancer.

Men are likelier to have bladder cancer, but women are more likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Bladder cancer usually doesn’t have many symptoms, which means tumors are often found too late. Most commonly, blood in the urine is an early warning sign, but that’s often misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection. Unless a doctor is really on top of things and knows the link between Actos and bladder cancer, the patient might not be diagnosed until it’s too late.

Are You Taking Actos?

Type-2 diabetes is increasing in nearly every state in the country. If your doctor prescribed Actos and you have bladder issues, you might have an Actos legal claim. It’s time to get compensation for your bills, pain and suffering.

Uncover more about your rights at the Actos Bladder Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Once you submit your information, a lawyer will contact you to discuss your Actos claim review at no fee.