Arkansas Actos attorneys note that plaintiffs are filing lawsuits against Japan-based drug manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals, alleging that the type 2 diabetes medication, Actos, may cause an increased risk of bladder cancer, vision problems and congestive heart failure. First introduced in 1992, the medication was used as a treatment in patients struggling with type 2 diabetes. The drug helps to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing for better circulation of glucose throughout the body.
However, due to the increase in Actos lawsuits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers suggesting that these risks for health complications such as bladder cancer may be increased in patients who take the medication for more than 12 months. The FDA has based its information on a review of data from a five-year study and a decade-long study devoted to analyzing these alleged conditions.
Does Actos Help Type 2 Diabetes Patients?
Actos, or pioglitazone, is an oral drug prescribed to patients struggling with type 2 diabetes. While these patients are generally advised to help manage their conditions through diet and regular exercise, many turn to medications in an effort to help their bodies combat the disease. Takeda states that the drug is intended to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin and to lower blood glucose levels at the same time. The manufacturer also reportedly claims that many patients will experience little or no side effects while on the medication.
Arkansas Actos attorneys note that taking the drug has allegedly caused bladder cancer and other potentially fatal complications. In fact, physicians and the medical community urge patients with a previous history of bladder cancer to use the drug with caution; those currently living with bladder cancer are advised not to take the medication at all.
Studies suggest that the benefits of controlling patients’ blood glucose levels do not necessarily outweigh the risks of cancer recurrence or occurrence. The FDA plans to continue its evaluation of the risks. Currently, however, there is no recall for the medication, although the FDA has placed a black-box warning label on the drug to indicate an increased risk of congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
Countries other than the U.S. have taken more aggressive approaches to restricting the prescription and sale of the drug. Following the release of a French study that indicated a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer while taking Actos, both Germany and France suspended all prescriptions and sales of the medication.
Actos Lawsuits in Progress
Already, thousands of patients have joined together in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Louisiana. The MDL is designed to centralize and streamline the process as it pulls patients with similar diagnoses and allegations into one group, yet it also allows individual cases to be heard as well. Illinois and California state courts have also seen consolidated mass torts.
Arkansas Actos attorneys are or will soon be filing claims against Takeda for their clients’ injuries, alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn them of the risks and complications associated with the drug. Instead, according to court reports and Arkansas Actos attorneys, the manufacturer continued to aggressively market the product despite its known connection to serious and potentially fatal health complications. Allegations are also being made that the manufacturer placed its desire for profits ahead of its responsibility to warn consumers about its product; in 2010 alone, amid allegations of bladder cancer Actos raked in over $5 billion in sales, making it the most prescribed type 2 diabetes medication in the world.
Since the drug is still being sold, legal analysts predict that Takeda could face over 10,000 court complaints for its alleged actions and defective product. While the number currently hovers around 3,000 cases, it should continue to grow as long as Actos remains on the market.
Arkansas Actos attorneys note that the allegations against Takeda’s for injuries caused by Actos include:
- Blindness
- Bone fractures
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Heart attacks
- Heart failure
- Bladder cancer
Considering a Lawsuit? Consult an Arkansas Actos Attorney First
If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, congestive heart failure and liver problems or you have suffered from vision issues, increased bone fractures or other complications after or while taking Actos and you are considering filing a lawsuit, an Arkansas Actos attorney can help. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we strive to understand the legalities surrounding these cases and can work to determine if you are eligible to pursue a claim. Should we feel that you may be entitled to receive compensation, we will connect you with an experienced Arkansas Actos attorney who will see your case through. The time to act in personal injury cases is often limited, so if you are unsure and need more answers, contact us today to take the first step in seeking compensation.
