Manufactured by the Japanese company Takeda, Actos is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, type 2 diabetes is the most common type. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the body becomes more resistant to insulin, a hormone created in the pancreas which helps the body absorb glucose. Insulin makes it easier for the body to store sugar that can be used later on as energy. Insulin is a crucial component in regulating blood sugar levels.
Also known as pioglitazone, Actos lowers blood sugar by decreasing the body’s insulin resistance and glucose production. With less glucose and an increased response to insulin, patients with type 2 diabetes have a much lower blood sugar level. It is one of the leading medications for patients with type 2 diabetes.
In 2010, the FDA warned the public of an increased risk of bladder cancer in type 2 diabetic patients after several studies showed a higher risk of developing the disease in patients using Actos than was initially reported. Following this announcement, labels on the medication were updated to include the warning. The FDA continues to study the effects of long-term use. The FDA also required Takeda to issue a warning indicating that the use of the drug may be linked to a 40 percent increase in bladder cancer risk. Diabetic patients with active bladder cancer should avoid taking Actos.
In 2016, an FDA safety announcement reiterated the organization’s warning that using Actos may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Data suggests increasing doses for longer periods can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
The FDA has not issued a recall.
Many patients who used Actos and developed bladder cancer are now taking legal action against Takeda. Past lawsuits sought to hold the company responsible for instances of bladder cancer in patients, alleging that Takeda failed to accurately warn patients of the risks associated.
Vogelzang Law now represents individuals who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer following Actos use. Our firm remains committed to obtaining justice on behalf of families facing these challenging medical diagnoses. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with bladder cancer after using Actos, contact our Vogelzang Law team at (312)-466-1669.
If you are having these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact your primary care doctor.
Actos has been linked to several other ailments. Those may include:
