Actos Lawsuit – Information, Risks and Assistance
About Actos
The prescription drug Actos, which is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes, was removed from shelves in France and Germany following an increase in bladder cancer cases in patients. Animal test subjects exhibited the same symptoms in the trial phases for the drug, implying that the manufacturers, Takeda Inc., were well aware of the risks.
In the United States, Actos has been widely distributed to diabetes patients. Its active ingredient is known as Pioglitazone, and it has been used in ActoPlus met XR, Duetac and ActoPlus met for Type 2 Diabetes treatment.
On June 15, 2011, the FDA issued an urgent warning to medical practitioners and users regarding Actos, acknowledging that use of the drug “for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.” See FDA Safety Alert about Actos and Bladder Cancer. This risk increases with prolonged use and higher doses of the drug.
On July 5, 2013, an international independent study found that Actos was “probably carcinogenic.”
The FDA referenced findings in ongoing studies and required warnings be disclosed to medical professionals and users as well as included in all marketing materials used for the drug packaging while it continues to monitor data being released in relation to the drug. Studies are looking into the long-term effects of using Pioglitazone/Actos. Today, consumers in the US can still buy Actos as it has not yet been recalled.
Click here to see data on reports of side effects from taking Actos.
Symptoms of Actos bladder cancer
Symptoms of Actos bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the Urine
- Pain During Urination
- Frequent Urination
- Feeling of Need to Urinate Without Results
If you are experiencing these symptoms – especially if you previously used or currently take Actos – we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with your physician.
Lawsuits relating to Actos
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Takeda and Eli Lilly for failure to warn about the risk of bladder cancer. Some are being litigated in state courts, but the majority of them were filed in federal courts as part of a product liability multidistrict litigation (MDL). The MDL is titled Re: Actos (Pioglitazone) Products Liability Litigation. The lawsuits allege that both Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly (the company that marketed the drug, knew about the risk of bladder cancer but failed to warn doctors and patients.
Actos – Bladder Cancer Settlement
In April 2015, Takeda Pharmaceuticals settled approximately 9,000 lawsuits related to Actos for $2.37 billion. The settlement criteria are as follows:
- Victims took Actos at some time prior to December 1, 2011,
- Victims were diagnosed with bladder cancer on or before April 28, 2015, and
- Victims must have been represented by counsel on or before May 1, 2015.
Even if you did not participate in the settlement, there may still be options for you. If you feel that you have been harmed as a result of using Actos – specifically if you have contracted bladder cancer, please browse our directory of defective drug lawyers to find one near you with experience handling Actos bladder cancer lawsuits.
Contact one of our Actos bladder cancer attorneys now for more information.