Actos Diabetes Drug

Actos- Dangerous Diabetes Drug and Bladder Cancer

Visit our Actos website at www.Actos-BladderCancer.com

New studies have found that the diabetes drug Actos can significantly increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, specifically in those who have used it for more than a year.

A similar drug, Avandia, has already been removed from the market after being linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. In fact, Actos and Avandia are the only two drugs in their class, called thiazolidinediones, and work in very similar ways. Actos has already been removed from the market Germany and France for concerns related to bladder cancer.

Actos is a drug used for patients who have type 2 diabetes to control the level of glucose in the blood stream when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. It now carries a warning label for the increased cancer risk, but it remains on the market with the full support of the manufacturer.

In 2010, more than 2 million patients were taking Actos with no warning of it's potential cancer causing side effects. In one study done on the drug, out of 193,000 patients who were taking Actos for an average of 2 years, their risk of bladder cancer increased 40% compared to if they had never been exposed to the drug. (U.S. News)

One of the reasons Actos has not yet been pulled from the U.S. market is because the drug companies insist they have nothing to replace it with. However, that does not justify the significant risk this drug put it's users at.

Bladder cancer is a horrific disease, that often results in a long and painful journey. It does not have a very high survival rate, and it has a very high recurrence rate among survivors. For every 50,000 people that develop bladder cancer, 12,000 with ultimately die from it. (WebMd)

It is not advisable to stop taking Actos without talking to your doctor, but if you are on it, proceed with extreme caution in regards to dosage and any warning signs of bladder cancer. If you or a loved one developed bladder cancer as a result of taking Actos, do not hesitate to contact our law firm today at 631-543-3663, or contact us for a free consultation in regards to your case. You may be entitled to compensation for the harm Actos has caused.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2, the most common form of diabetes, is when the body either does not produce the necessary amount of insulin, or the cells of the body ignore the insulin produced. Insulin is needed for glucose to be used as energy. When the insulin does not do it's job, the glucose builds up in the blood instead of going to the cells, causing diabetes complications.

What can cause me to have a higher chance of getting diabetes?

Any of the following can put you at a greater risk for diabetes:

• Being older than 45
• High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or greater)
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• Low activity (less than 3 times of exercise a week)
• Metabolic syndrome
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Acanthosis Nigricans (a skin condition causing dark, thick skin around neck or armpits)-Diabetes during a pregnancy
• Excessive weight (especially around the waist)
• Having a family history of diabetes
• Giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds
• HDL cholesterol under 35 mg/dL
• High blood levels of triglycerides (250/mg/dL or more)

Also, people from certain ethnic groups are at a greater risk, including African Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans.

How does Actos work?

Actos works to lower high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It helps the body to better use the insulin it produces, as well as stopping the liver from making more sugar than it needs to. By doing this, it allows the sugar in the bloodstream to get to where it should go so it doesn't build up.

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled multiplication and growth of cells in the bladder which are no longer in synch with the normal control of the body. It has the potential to spread to many other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, and liver.

If I'm using Actos, is my risk of bladder cancer increased?

Everybody's body reacts different to medication, and everybody has different risk factors involved for any disease. A recent study found that among 193,000 patients taking Actos for an average of two years, the risk of bladder cancer increased 40% among the patients.(U.S. News) The risk becomes greater the higher dose of medication one is on, along with how long they are on it.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

The most common symptoms of bladder cancer are:

• Blood in urine
• Pain or burning during urination (not related to urinary tract infection)
• Change in bladder habits

Because bladder cancer is often not found until an advanced stage, it is recommended that regular screenings are done by a health care provider if you have an risk factor for bladder cancer, or are on a medication such as Actos.

How can I be tested for bladder cancer?

For bladder cancer to be diagnosed, one of several tests will be done. One of the most common is a cystoscopy, in which a doctor inserts a narrow tube through the urethra. The tube contacts a lens and lighting system allowing the doctor to see inside the bladder. A doctor may also take a biopsy during a cystoscopy in order to collect a small cell sample for testing. Another test is urine cytology, in which a urine sample is analyzed under a microscope in order to check for cancer cells. The last test is called an imaging test, where a dye is used in order to highlight the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urinary tissues under a X-ray.

How can our law firm help you?

The Migliore law firm located on Long Island, has represented clients in a wide range of product liability cases in the last three decades and has worked with nationally recognized co-counsel to reach successful verdicts. We work with other very successful law firms to provide you with the highest caliber legal help available and take every step necessary to obtain compensation on your behalf.

If you or someone you care about developed bladder cancer after taking Actos, please contact the Long Island, NY law firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. at (631) 543-3663 to arrange a free case evaluation or contact us.

Links:

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diabetes/articles/2011/06/16/diabetes-drug-actos-may-raise-risk-for-bladder-cancer-fda
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/bladder-cancer/news/20110616/new-bladder-cancer-warning-for-diabetes-drug-actos