The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that use of the diabetes medication Actos® (pioglitazone) for more than one year has been associated with a 40 percent increase in the risk for bladder cancer. The FDA urges patients that have taken Actos to contact a medical professional immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blood or red color in urine
- Urgent need to urinate or pain while urinating
- Pain in back or lower abdomen.
Information about the risk of bladder cancer associated with Actos has been added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the label for pioglitazone-containing medicines as well as the patient Medication Guide.
Different Products But Same Risk
The active ingredient in Actos (pioglitazone) is also sold in combination with metformin (Actoplus Met®, Actoplus Met XR®) and glimepiride (Duetact®). From January 2010 through October 2010, approximately 2.3 million patients filled a prescription for a pioglitazone-containing product from outpatient retail pharmacies.
Get the Help You Deserve
If you or someone you love has taken a diabetes medication containing pioglitazone and was diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us immediately for a free and confidential case evaluation, and get the help you deserve.
Never stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor. Actos®, Actoplus Met®, Actoplus Met XR®, and Duetact® are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and are used here only for the purpose of identifying the products in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
