Actos® is prescribed to treat Type II diabetes in order to control blood sugar in diabetic patients. In addition, Actos® is prescribed to prevent diabetes in those who show early signs of the disease. In September 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began a safety review of Actos® when new data revealed a link to increased risk of bladder cancer. The risk appears to be considerably higher for those that take Actos® at higher doses and for longer periods of time. The FDA issued a warning of the elevated risk to patients who have been taking Actos®, but added that patients should not stop taking Actos® unless instructed to do so by their physicians. The active ingredient in Actos® is also contained in other drugs, namely Actoplus Met®, Actoplus Met XR®, and Duetact®.
Although Actos® continues to remain on the shelves of drug stores in the U.S.; the drug is under a long-term study by the FDA. France suspended use of the drug and Germany recommended to not pre-scribe the drug to new patients due to safety concerns.
Common symptoms of Actos®-related bladder cancer may include:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Actos®: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Actos® and call your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects:
- stomach pain, blood in your urine;
- painful urination;
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
- swelling or rapid weight gain;
- chest pain, general ill feeling;
- nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- blurred vision;
- increased thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual; or
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness.
Less serious Actos® side effects may include:
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;
- headache;
- gradual weight gain;
- muscle pain;
- back pain; or
- tooth problems.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
FDA warning article for Actos®: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm259150.htm
You may be entitled to compensation if negatively harmed by Actos®
If you or a loved one developed bladder cancer during or after taking Actos®, Actoplus Met®, Actoplus Met XR®, or Duetact®, Contact your Doctor immediately. Shortly after, contact our office at 401-751-8855 to be advised of all your legal rights as it pertains to this matter immediately. The consultation is free and our team of attorneys is ready to answer any of your questions or concerns regarding this matter.
