Links Between Actos and Bladder Cancer Spur FDA Warnings and European Recalls

Supposed connections between Actos and bladder cancer have been the subject of research for several years. According to the Journal for the National Institute of Cancer Research, patients taking thiazolidinediones, for five or more years may be three times as likely to develop cancer than those prescribed type 2 diabetes drugs from an alternative class of medication. Actos, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, is a thiazolidinedione drug. Another study has found that long term use of Actos may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. This study is the third in recent months to confirm a link of patients getting bladder cancer from Actos, raising concerns as to whether its developer failed to adequately warn patients and physicians about side effects from the drug.

FDA warns of cancer risks

On June 15, 2011, the FDA released an announcement warning patients that taking Actos for longer than a year may lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer. The warning came after post-market safety and effectiveness reports indicated that the cancer risk in Actos patients may be as high as 40 percent.

Other investigations have corroborated these findings. A French study conducted later in the same month determined that an above average number of Actos users were diagnosed with bladder cancer, precipitating a recall of the medication Actos in France and Germany. The drug remains on the market in the United States, but the FDA has updated the label to warn patients about the risk of cancer.

An Actos attorney may help a plaintiff join the Actos MDL in Louisiana

With the help of an Actos attorney, patients may be able to participate in the Actos multidistrict litigation (MDL) to recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering, as well as other issues. All cases consolidated in Actos MDL are to be centralized before U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty in the Western District of Louisiana. Trial dates have been set for November 2014 and January 2015.

Plaintiffs have spoken to attorneys to help determine whether they have a viable suit against Takeda. Patients seeking lawsuit advice in filing a case against Takeda may have legal recourse against the manufacturer for the various damages and financial losses they have incurred.

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