Study Links Diabetes Medication to Bladder Cancer, Tumors

While there is no guarantee that anyone who takes Actos will develop bladder cancer, several studies have been done that link Actos use to this disease. Alarmingly, the risk for bladder cancer increases 40% after only one year of use. Since Type-2 diabetes requires long-term medication to regulate insulin and blood sugar, this is a daunting prospect for many.

Other Actos side effects include:

• Pain when urinating
• Blood in urine
• Urinary tract infections
• Development of cancerous tumors in bladder

For Many, FDA Warning Came Too Late

After prompting by the FDA, the label for Actos was updated to include the risk of these side effects occurring. This offers no relief to those who have already developed bladder cancer nor does it console the families who have lost loved ones due to Actos side effects. While sales have been suspended in countries such as Germany and France, the United States continues to not only offer Actos for sale, but physicians continue to prescribe it. Warning labels continue to appear on prescriptions for Actos and its generic version pioglitazone for the following side effects:

• Bladder cancer
• Bone fractures
• Increased risk of heart failure

Over a Thousand Actos Lawsuits Filed

Due to the development of bladder cancer and other Actos side effects, there have been over 1,000 lawsuits filed in the Federal Court of Louisiana. The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of Actos – Takeda Pharmaceuticals, along with Eli Lilly – did not take appropriate measures to warn consumers of the dangers associated with Actos. The Actos lawsuits have been consolidated in a multi-district litigation (MDL) and are currently ongoing. More Actos lawsuits continue to be filed hoping for compensation for injuries suffered as a result of Actos side effects.

Fighting Actos Side Effects? Get the Help You Deserve

If you or someone you know has suffered through Actos side effects such as bladder cancer or wrongful death, there is help available. You can learn more about the pending litigation by visiting our Actos Bladder Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. Here you can read up on the various Actos side effects, learn more about ongoing cases as well as submit your contact information to qualified attorneys. Compensation may be awarded for the cost of medical expenses – past, current and ongoing — wrongful death, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium, among others.