Actos Bladder Cancer
Among the most prominent Actos side effects is the increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Various studies have determined that when administered for a period longer than 12 months, Actos side effects become more frequent, and the potential diagnosis of bladder cancer is significantly increased. Statistics have shown that long-term treatment with Actos increases the risk of bladder cancer by 40% and the risk becomes higher as the patient’s exposure to Actos becomes longer.
Link between Actos and bladder cancer
The mechanism of bladder cancer is not completely understood. Because the medication works on a genetic level by influencing the DNA transcription of certain genes, it may cause mutation or genetic defects during long-term treatment which can lead to increased susceptibility to bladder cancer. Also, because the bladder is the organ where urine waste products are collected temporarily, Actos treatment may expose the bladder tissue to toxic waste components removed by the kidneys.
Recognizing bladder cancer and its symptoms
Short-term treatment with Actos does not seem to create the same level of risk of developing bladder cancer. At this time, scientists maintain that prolonged exposure to the medication is the main factor that causes bladder cancer, rather than simply the direct action of the drug itself.
Bladder cancer symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain during urination
- Frequent need for urination without eliminating any urine
Diabetes patients who treated with Actos over a prolonged course of time and subsequently developed bladder cancer should consult an experienced Actos lawyer to help determine the most effective course of legal action. Get information on treatment of bladder cancer.
FDA warns of bladder cancer
In June 2011, the FDA issued warning statements and information about the risk of bladder cancer. In August, the agency approved changes to the medication label. Bladder cancer will now be found among the medication’s Warnings and Precautions.
These changes come in the wake of other drastic measures abroad including an Actos recall in France and a suspension of Actos sales in Germany. While the drug remains widely available, diabetes patients all over the world who have treated with Actos are looking at drugmaker Takeda to answer for this news- breaking health scare.
Actos (Pioglitazone) is a drug approved by the FDA for treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, also known as non-insulin-dependant diabetes. Diabetes is caused by an increased resistance of the tissues to insulin, thus inhibiting the glucose lowering action of the hormone. Actos modulates the selective transcription of genes responsible for insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the insulin resistance of the tissues. This leads to a decrease in blood sugar and a better metabolism of glucose and fat in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Get information about pursuing an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit with an experienced attorney. Additional information on an Actos class actions lawsuit is also available here.
