FDA Issues Warning on Actos for Bladder Cancer

Another day, another FDA warning… is anyone heeding the warning that Actos may cause bladder cancer?

Actos is used along with diet and exercise to improve control of blood sugar in adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus.

On June 15, 2011, the FDA distributed safety information based on their review of data from a planned five-year interim analysis of an ongoing, ten-year epidemiological study. The five-year results showed that although there was no overall increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone (Actos) use, an increased risk of bladder cancer was noted among patients with the longest exposure to the drug, and in those exposed to the highest cumulative dose of pioglitazone.

The FDA is also aware of a recent study conducted in France which suggests an increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone (Actos). Based on the results of this study, France has suspended the use of Actos and Germany has recommended to not prescribing Actos in new patients.
But what does the U.S. FDA do?

The FDA issues a warning on Actos for bladder cancer.

From January 2010 through October 2010, approximately 2.3 million patients filled a prescription for a pioglitazone-containing product from outpatient retail pharmacies.

Contact Our Bladder Cancer Lawyers Today »

If you or a family member has been prescribed Actos or an Actos related drug and you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer – please contact Monheit Law to find out what legal options are available to you. Filing an Actos claim may be prudent because it will help pay your medical bills and fill in the blanks if you are unable to work or provide for your family.