Actos Bladder Cancer FDA Announcement
FDA Warning: Actos Bladder Cancer
An Actos bladder cancer FDA warning was released in June 2011 alerting the public that use of the diabetes drug may be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. The agency reviewed data from a long-term study of the medication which revealed an increased risk of bladder cancer in patients taking the drug for more than a year and those exposed to the highest cumulative doses of the medication. The FDA warning announced that the agency would continue to evaluate data from this study and would conduct a comprehensive review of results from a French study which also indicated an increased risk of bladder cancer in users.
If you were diagnosed with bladder cancer after taking Actos, ActoPlus Met, ActoPlus Met XR or Duetact, you may have legal recourse in light of this FDA announcement. To find out if you are eligible, fill out our no risk, no obligation case review form.
FDA Recommendations
With research suggesting that patients using Actos for more than a year may be at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer, the FDA made several suggestions regarding use of the drug. In its FDA announcement, the agency advised doctors to refrain from using the drug in patients with active bladder cancer, and to use it with caution in those with a history of the disease. It also instructed users to be on alert for signs which could indicate bladder cancer such as:
- Urinary urgency
- Blood or red color in urine
- Back or lower abdominal pain
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pain while urinating
The FDA announcement advised patients who are experiencing these symptoms to contact their doctor immediately.
Filing a Lawsuit
Because the manufacturer of Actos may have failed to properly warn patients about the bladder cancer risk, patients who were diagnosed with cancerous tumors of the bladder may have legal recourse. Potentially, individuals who were diagnosed with bladder cancer after taking Actos, ActoPlus Met, ActoPlus Met XR or Duetact may be able to participate in a bladder cancer lawsuit to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages resulting from their condition. To find out if a bladder cancer lawsuit may be an option for you, complete our free case review form today for a no cost, no obligation case review.