Actos lawsuits are civil litigation cases in which those with type-2 diabetics seek compensation from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, the maker of Actos, as a result of developing serious side effects. Generically referred to as pioglitazone, Actos is a thiazolidinedione medication (like Avandia) that significantly improves the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. Actos was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 and is not indicated for use in the treatment of type-1 diabetes.
Actos Side Effects Prompt Black-Box Warning
Actos sales spiked as many type-2 diabetics stopped taking Avandia because it caused some patients to develop serious health complications. Yet Actos has been found to have it’s own serious Actos side effects, including:
- diabetic ketoacidosis
- hyperglycemia
- hypoglycemia
- infection of the upper respiratory tract
- stroke
- wrongful death
In 2007, the FDA announced that Actos carried an increased risk of heart attack and congestive heart failure, and mandated that Takeda Pharmaceutical Company include a black-box warning regarding the risk of Actos congestive heart failure on all advertising and packaging of Actos. The FDA also required a warning to the public and medical professionals that only the lowest doses of Actos should be prescribed for the smallest amount of time necessary to be effective in order to minimize the risk of developing serious Actos side effects.
FDA Annouces Actos Bladder Cancer
For years, studies indicated that Actos might be linked to an increased risk of . In September 2010, the agency announced that it would be conducting a thorough review of the issue. After looking over the data from an ongoing 10-year epidemiological study, the agency released a June 2011 public health communication indicating that Actos may increase the risk of bladder cancer. They warned physicians not to prescribe the drug to patients with bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer, and to inform their patients of the possible symptoms of the disease.
The first Actos lawsuit claiming bladder cancer was filed in August 2011, and the number of similar Actos lawsuits has increased since then, with more cases filed around the nation.
How to Start an Actos Lawsuit
Actos patients who have sustained serious Actos-related health complications should seek emergency medical attention to prevent potentially fatal injuries. When their health is no longer in danger, injured parties are encouraged to consult with skilled Actos lawyers to learn more about their legal rights, receive a thorough assessment of their case, and get their case started at no upfront cost. Actos attorneys:
- work with other experts, including researchers and medical experts, to confirm plaintiffs’ claims against Takeda;
- have extensive experience aggressively litigating against corporate lawyers; and
- will work tirelessly to help injured parties secure the compensation they deserve so they can focus on their recovery and move on with their lives.
If you or a loved one have used Actos and suffered from any side effect including heart disease, bladder cancer, congestive heart failure, severe allergic reaction, liver damage, or diabetic ketoacidosis you should contact us immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
