Actos Bladder Cancer Victim Awarded Settlement

Jack Cooper, a retired employee of Pacific Bell Co., had taken the diabetes drug Actos for a period of four years and had recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer. Despite his age, and prior addiction to smoking cigarettes, the plaintiff’s Actos attorney was able to achieve a verdict in his favor.

Warnings Issued about Actos Side Effects

Actos is a prescription medication for type-2 diabetes. This drug is often prescribed by healthcare providers when their patient is not responding through changes in their diet and exercise.

In July 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about use of the drug for prolonged periods of time and the increased risk for developing bladder cancer.

In July 2011, France and Germany alike recalled the product based upon evidence obtained through prior research of the medication. It was not until August 2011 that the FDA posted a safety warning to the public and healthcare providers of the greater risk for developing bladder cancer. The most recent independent study conducted in May 2012 puts the risk for obtaining Actos bladder cancer at 83 percent greater than if Actos was not taken.

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuits Increase Dramatically

In 2011, Takeda, the manufacturer of Actos, was a defendant in 54 known bladder cancer claims. Today there are over 3,000. With the knowledge out to the public from the FDA acknowledging concern over its use, many more prior and current Actos users who have had serious health problems are now coming forward.

The most dangerous known side effects of Actos to date are bladder cancer, liver failure, heart failure, bone fractures, macular edema and death. Common mild side effects can range from mild headaches to sore throats.

First Actos Lawsuit against Takeda is Success for Plaintiff

In the first bladder cancer lawsuit to go before the judicial system, Cooper vs. Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the Plaintiff accused the manufacturer of knowing the risk of developing bladder cancer from prolonged Actos use was greater than originally indicated long before the FDA released the warning. Cooper’s attorney had argued that the Takeda had known about the serious side effects of Actos as far back as 2004, but allowed profits to go before a patient’s health.

The jury in the case awarded the plaintiff a $6.5 million Actos lawsuit settlement. Of the award, $5 million will go to the plaintiff and another $1.5 million will go to his spouse for loss of consortium.  

Actos Legal Help is Available

For those who have suffered devastating side effects Actos, there is little relief. However, there are legal actions that you can take to bring an Actos lawsuit against the manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals. To learn more, visit the Actos Bladder Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. While there, submit your information for a free legal review by a skilled drug injury attorney who will tell you if you have a case. Don’t delay – Actos bladder cancer settlements are being awarded now.