Some who've used Actos to control type 2 diabetes are finding that, in addition to controlling their blood sugar, the drug has given them cancer. And the manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, may have known about the risks all along, but chose profits over people by not disclosing the known risks of long-term Actos use. Actos accounts for slightly over a quarter of Takeda's revenue.
At least that's what three men in Illinois have alleged in lawsuits filed against Takeda and Eli Lily and Company. All three had taken Actos daily for several years to control high blood sugar related to type 2 diabetes, never having been made aware of the risk of developing cancer because of the drug. All three have since been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Dangerous and defective drug lawyers across the country are helping individuals, like the three men in Illinois, who've controlled their type 2 diabetes with Actos only to find out later that it has thrown them into another fight: a battle against bladder cancer.
FDA Finds Evidence of Actos-Cancer Link
In June of 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety announcement concerning the link between long-term use of the diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) and bladder cancer. A 5-year review of a 10-year study revealed that among diabetes patients who had taken Actos, those who had done so for a year or longer had an increased incidence of bladder cancer. A French study revealed a similar correlation between Actos and bladder cancer, prompting France to suspend use of the blood-sugar control drug.
For current and former long-term users of Actos, signs to watch for that may indicate bladder cancer include:
- Blood in urine
- Pain during urination
- Feeling an urgent need to urinate
- Back pain
- Pain in the lower abdomen
These symptoms may indicate other health issues; your doctor can run tests as needed to determine if your symptoms are caused by bladder cancer.
Defective Products and Dangerous Drugs: The Duty To Warn
Companies have a duty, in the United States, to ensure that the products they market to consumers are safe for use. If there are known risks, those risks must be disclosed so that consumers are appropriately warned of the dangers.
Takeda itself conducted the study that lead to the FDA's safety announcement in 2011, according to the FDA. The 5-year review of the study showed that those who take Actos for a year or longer are at a 40 percent increased risk of developing bladder cancer than those who do not take the diabetes drug. The risk of developing bladder cancer was also correlated to the dose of Actos taken. Those who had taken the drug longer and those who'd received a higher cumulative dose were more vulnerable to Actos bladder cancer.
But Takeda did not take steps to warn U.S. consumers. Both France and Germany recalled Actos, but the same did not happen in the U.S.
If you or your loved one is one of the 2.3 million people throughout the United States affected by type 2 diabetes and have taken Actos to control your blood sugar, a products liability attorney in your area can discuss your right to compensation if you've been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
