Is it true that Actos could be linked to bladder cancer?

Yes.

A government funded study conducted by the French Medicines Agency (Afssaps) found that prolonged use of Actos corresponded with higher than usual rates of bladder cancer. Researchers “examined cancer rates in some 155,000 people taking pioglitazone in France from 2006 to 2009 and 1.3 million other diabetics who were not receiving the agents.” Based on the conclusions of this study, both France and Germany suspended all use of Actos and another similar drug Competact nationwide.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioned a similar study from Takeda Pharmaceutical, the maker of the drug. Their data also showed that patients prescribed Actos (generic pioglitazone) over a long period of time had a higher than average rate of bladder cancer. As a result the FDA is counseling all medical professionals prescribing Actos to be aware of potential signs of bladder cancer. Furthermore, the FDA has orded Takeda Pharmaceutical to add a bladder cancer warning to the label.

However, “the FDA stresses that there no definitive proof that Actos causes bladder cancer and that patients who are currently taking it should continue to do so, unless otherwise advised by their health care provider.” (Web MD)

How serious is bladder cancer?

All cancers are serious, especially if they are left untreated. Here are some statistics:

• “Cancer of the bladder develops in over 70,000 Americans each year, leading to over 14,000 deaths.” (Medicine Net)
• Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer; “the chance of a man developing it at any time during his life is 1 in 30, for a woman the chance is 1 in 90.” (Medicine Net)
• The two most common symptoms of bladder cancer include bloody urine (hematuria) and burning sensation when urinating (dysuria). In its more advanced stages, bladder cancer can cause “back pain, discomfort in the rectal anal or pelvic area and anemia, among other symptoms.” (Wed MD)

Could your bladder cancer symptoms be the result of prolonged Actos use? Contact us, and tell us your story. 

There is never any fee unless our attorneys obtain a favorable verdict on your behalf—monetary compensation in the form of a verdict or settlement.

Further Reading:

Web MD:
http://www.webmd.com/
Medicine Net:
http://www.medicinenet.com/loss_of_appetite/symptoms.htm
Med Page:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Diabetes/26987