Japan-based drugmaker Takeda Pharmaceuticals first introduced Actos in 1992. The manufacturer reportedly promised patients little to no side effects in the medication designed to help those living with type 2 diabetes. Amid aggressive marketing tactics, the drug quickly skyrocketed to become the most prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes across the globe. However, Alabama Actos attorneys note that the manufacturer is currently facing hundreds of lawsuits from plaintiffs attempting to seek compensation for injuries allegedly caused by the drug.
Studies have shown that the medication may be linked to serious complications including heart failure, liver problems, blindness, bladder failure, bladder cancer and bone fractures. Unfortunately, plaintiffs and Alabama Actos attorneys claim that the public was not informed of these alleged dangers until it was too late.
Actos and Type 2 Diabetes
The medication works by increasing cells’ sensitivity to insulin. Two out of the three medications in its class have been recalled or restricted as a result of allegedly fatal complications. As a group, the thiazolidinedione family has been associated with liver and heart problems as well as anemia and edema.
Actos’ counterpart, Avandia, was also called into question; however, Takeda allegedly determined that its product was safer. In 2010 alone, the medication brought in over $5 billion in gross sales, despite mounting evidence that the medication could potentially be linked to bladder cancer and congestive heart failure. However, experts suggest that so many people were suffering from type 2 diabetes that thousands jumped on the chance to try a new medication.
Still, after the dust settled and sales leveled out, researchers continued to investigate the drug’s link to adverse health conditions such as bladder cancer. Alabama Actos attorneys note that plaintiffs allege that, had they been informed of the dangers of the drug, they would have chosen an alternative medication instead, as many have been diagnosed with serious complications either during or following treatment with the drug.
Common Side Effects
While many have taken the medication with no diagnosis of bladder cancer or congestive heart failure, others have noted common side effects that may or may not be directly related to gender, weight, ethnicity, race and overall health including:
- Urinary tract infections
- Chills
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Sinus infection or irritation
- Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, hives, itching and swelling of the face
- Limb, tooth and muscle pain
- Feeling ill
- Headaches
As more evidence came to light in 2012, researchers and experts in the healthcare community began to advocate that Actos should only be taken as a last resort and should be avoided by those currently suffering from heart complications, bladder cancer or histories of the two conditions. While serious side effects are rarer, side effects can allegedly worsen a pre-existing condition. Physicians across the globe have been advised to closely monitor their patients after the initial dose, following a dosage increase and after the patient ceases treatment for signs of bladder cancer or other complications.
Plaintiffs Allege that the FDA Knew
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally claimed that they were unaware of the potential complications or side effects of Actos, many feel that the agency had a responsibility to investigate after receiving reports of incidents. However, the FDA allegedly informed Takeda that it could continue to manufacturer the product as long as the company included additional information for consumers.
In June 2011, the FDA required Takeda to update the warning label and include the alleged risk of congestive heart failure. Additionally, Takeda conducted a five-year long study in which the company reportedly concluded that Actos was linked to a 40 percent greater chance of bladder cancer in patients taking the medication and supplied the data to both the FDA and the public.
Alabama Actos attorneys note that thousands of patients are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages as a result of their injuries and conditions. In a large number of these cases, plaintiffs are alleging that the manufacturer knew, or should have known, about the potentially fatal complications associated with Actos and, if the company knew, had a responsibility to warn the public and the medical community of the risks.
Need an Alabama Actos Attorney On Your Side?
Have you or a family member suffered from bladder cancer, congestive heart failure, liver problems or another health complication while taking Actos, and you would like to learn more about filing a lawsuit? If you have any questions, Attorney Group for Alabama is here to help. We will provide you with a free consultation and help you to determine if you have a claim. Should we feel that you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, we will connect you with an experienced Alabama Actos attorney who will be able to handle your case.
