Is Actos Safe? Skilled Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys Tell You the Truth

Competent personal injury lawyers give you the Actos information you need

What is Actos?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride) for use to help control Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise. While effective, the drug began to produce serious side effects.

In September 2010, the FDA issued the following statement:

A study conducted by Actos manufacturer Takeda showed that an increased risk of bladder cancer was observed among patients with the longest exposure to Actos, as well as in those exposed to the highest cumulative dose of Actos.

The FDA ordered its own safety review of the drug. In its June 2011 statement, the FDA informed Actos users:

• There may be an increased chance of having bladder cancer when you take pioglitazone.
• You should not take pioglitazone if you are receiving treatment for bladder cancer.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following bladder cancer symptoms:
  • Blood or red color in urine
  • Urgent need to urinate or pain while urinating
  • Pain in back or lower abdomen
• Read the Medication Guide you get along with your pioglitazone medicine. It explains the risks associated with the use of pioglitazone.

Actos remains on the market in the United States and the FDA continues to study its effects.

Treating your diabetes with Actos could lead to bladder cancer, heart attack and liver failure

Some of the more frequently asked questions about Actos concern the severity of the potential side effects. Bladder cancer, heart attack and liver damage rank among the most serious side effects of Actos usage. Other conditions include kidney failure and diabetic macular edema, a swelling and thickening of the retina that could result in blindness.

If you or a loved one has been taking Actos, or combinations of Actos with other diabetes medications, including ACTOplus Met®, ACTOplus Met XR and Duetact ®, watch for the following symptoms:

While these symptoms may not be related to Actos usage, it is best to seek immediate medical help if they appear. You may also wish to speak with an Actos lawyer to see if you’re entitled to compensation.

Contact Phillips Law Offices today for more Actos information

The personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Offices have more than 65 years of combined experience. We dedicate ourselves to getting you the compensation you need and deserve. Contact our Chicago office at 312.620.1199 or online for your free initial consultation with one of our experienced defective drugs lawyers.