New Study Confirms Actos Bladder Cancer Link

Pioglitazone (Actos) is an antidiabetic agent in the thiazolidinedione drug class. The British Medical Journal published an article May 31, 2012, stating that pioglitazone has been found to be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer development according to a case-control study. Patients taking pioglitazone (Actos) for at least 2 years were found to have double the risk of bladder cancer. In August 2011, Medscape Medical News stated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated the pioglitazone label, warning against starting pioglitazone in patients with active bladder cancer and to use caution in prescribing to patients with previous bladder cancer history. “[T]he results of this study provide evidence that pioglitazone is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, whereas no increased risk was observed with the thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone,” explains the study author. “The increased risk associated with pioglitazone became apparent after use for at least 24 months and receiving cumulative dosages greater than 28,000 mg. Such associations may have been underestimated in previous observational studies that included prevalent users.” Dr. Hillaire-Buys and Dr. Faille state “it can confidently be assumed that pioglitazone increases the risk of bladder cancer. It also seems that this association could have been predicted earlier. Worldwide, exposure to pioglitazone is estimated to be more than 20 million patient years. Considering that the benefit of pioglitazone in reducing cardiovascular events is questionable, prescribers who are ultimately responsible for therapeutic choices can legitimately question whether the benefit-risk ratio of pioglitazone is still acceptable for their patients with diabetes.” The Law Firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. is investigating cases of Actos-related bladder cancer. If you are a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer while on Actos call the firm at 631-543-3663 or visit actos-bladdercancer.com . With over three decades of experience, the firm is well positioned to help victims of Actos . The firm works with nationally recognized co-counsel to obtain major verdicts and settlements.