In recent years, diabetics have struggled to find medication to regulate insulin levels. Two of the most prominent of diabetes drugs are Avandia and Actos. Actos may be sold under the generic name Pioglitazone and Avandia under the name Rosiglitazone. The drugs may also be combined and sold in various combinations and variations including, Avandamet, Avandaryl, Actos plus Met, Actos plus Met XR and Duetact.
Beginning November 2007, the FDA required that Avandia carry the FDA's highest level warning on its container. On-going studies and trials have shown an association between the Avandia use and heart failure and heart-related risks. While Avandia remained on the market, many diabetics were increasingly concerned about exposure to the drug. In September 2010, the Food and Drug Administration implemented strict controls to restrict access to the medication, allowing use of the drug only for Type 2 diabetics who are unable to control their diabetes on other medication. Diabetics using Avandia or its generic equivalent were advised to discuss these risks with their doctors.
Risks associated with Avandia are not unique. The FDA also required a black box warning on Actos in 2007, alerting patients that the drug may cause or exacerbate heart failure.
Thus, patients with diabetes are forced to between medicine and its risks, or the consequences of not taking the medication. As the warnings on Avandia became more restrictive, Actos usage in diabetics steadily increased. The use of Actos is now much more common than ever before.
In 2010, users of Actos had another side effect of serious concern. The FDA announced that it was reviewing data concerning long term Actos use and an increased risk for developing bladder cancer. Some studies showed as much as a 40% increased risk of bladder cancer among Actos users who had been on the medication for a year or more. Studies in European countries found similar results, prompting regulators in Germany and France to order doctors to stop prescribing Actos.
Lawsuits are now being filed on behalf of Actos users who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer. It is important that Actos victims consult an attorney who can protect their legal rights and fight to recover damages for the harm they suffered.
The law firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. is now accepting cases of individuals who have been taking Actos and have developed bladder cancer. More than three decades of legal experience and collaboration with nationally recognized co-counsel give us the expertise to reach major verdicts for clients. Our firm offers a free case evaluation to find out if you have grounds for an Actos lawsuit. Call Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. at 631-543-3663 or visit actos-bladdercancer.com.
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