Actos Increases Bladder Cancer Risk By Up to 80 Percent
By Andrea Gressman
Bladder cancer is among the most common types of cancer diagnosed each year. There are many risk factors that contribute to bladder cancer and, unfortunately, the diabetes medication Actos has become one of the leading causes of bladder cancer as well. As a result, a number of Actos lawsuits have been filed recently as former Actos patients and their families seek compensation for the pain and suffering they have been forced to endure due to this prescription medication.
What is Actos?
Actos is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. If a patient uses Actos for a long period of time they risk serious health problems. Some of these serious health problems include heart failure and bladder cancer. In fact, it was recently found that using Actos for a long period of time can increase a patient’s chances of getting bladder cancer by up to 80%.
A patient who has used Actos for an extended period of time should contact a healthcare provider if they notice any changes in their urination such as the following:
* Painful urination
* Back pain
* Blood in their urine
* Frequent bathroom breaks
All of these symptoms can be early signs of urinary tract infections or bladder cancer.
Recent Changes in the Actos Warning Label
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently changed the warning label on Actos in August of 2011. The new label states that there is an increased risk of bladder cancer in patients who use Actos for an extended period of time. However, countries such as Germany and France suspended the use of Actos based on its increased risk of bladder cancer. To date, no U.S. Actos recall has been issued.
Early Signs of Actos Bladder Cancer
Early-stage bladder cancer symptoms can be hard to separate from a urinary tract infection. If you are on Actos and have any of the following symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Some symptoms of early-stage bladder cancer include:
* Blood in urine. This can also include blood clots. This is the most common symptom of bladder cancer and is reported in 9 out of 10 cases.
* Frequent urination with decreased amounts of urine.
* Developing frequent UTI’s, also known as urinary tract infections.
* Pain that is mild to severe during urination.
Advanced Signs of Actos Bladder Cancer
Advanced bladder cancer symptoms are less likely to be confused with UTI symptoms. These symptoms include:
* Swelling in lower parts of the legs.
* A growth that can be felt in the pelvis area around the bladder. This is often called a pelvic mass.
Actos is now well known for its link to bladder cancer and heart failure. Many patients who have developed bladder cancer and other serious health complications because of Actos have filed lawsuits against Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the drug. In 2007, roughly 2.3 million prescriptions were written for the drug. It is estimated that at least 10,000 patients will file an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit against Takeda. Even with all of the risks and damage Actos has caused, Takeda continues to keep this drug on the market.
If you or someone you love has used Actos and has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is very important that you contact an Actos lawsuit attorney right away. They can help you protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. Visit the Actos Bladder Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation for more information about how to file an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit or Actos class action lawsuit. Actos attorneys are standing by.
Updated August 14th, 2012
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