Actos, originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 15, 1999 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes was manufactured and marketed by Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Between 1999 and 2006, United States-based Eli Lilly assisted in the marketing of the product across the country. Both are currently facing lawsuits from plaintiffs and Actos attorneys, including Florida Actos attorneys, alleging that the drug caused serious and adverse health conditions.
Actos assists the body’s cells in becoming more sensitive to insulin, a pancreas-produced hormone. The body uses insulin to regulate the level and usage of glucose within the body. As cells become more sensitive to the hormone, blood is able to travel easier throughout the body and into cells, allowing patients to better control blood sugar levels.
Complications Come to Light
Patients filing lawsuits with the help of Florida Actos attorneys allege that they were diagnosed with bladder cancer by a physician. Plaintiffs exhibited one or more of the following symptoms of bladder cancer:
- Blood in or redness of urine
- Unusual back or abdominal pain
- Pain when urinating
- Increased urge to urinate
- Difficulty continuing urination
Actos Lawsuits in Progress
Those who had taken Actos and were diagnosed with complications are seeking legal counsel from Florida Actos attorneys in an effort to obtain compensation. Allegations include life-threatening conditions such as bladder cancer and heart complications either while taking the medication or after ceasing a long-term treatment. Claims also include allegations that Takeda failed to warn the public and the FDA about potential complications in an effort to keep profits high.
As of 2011, Takeda had faced 54 lawsuits and were facing several more from Florida Actos attorneys. The number has since topped 3,000 although Takeda is not the sole defendant; Eli Lilly is also facing lawsuits as the company helped Takeda in its production and marketing efforts between 1999 and 2006.
Does Actos Cause Bladder Cancer?
In August 2011, the FDA issued a warning to consumers acknowledging that Actos was linked to bladder cancer. The agency advises against the prescription of the medication to those currently living with the disease and strongly warns those with a family history of bladder cancer to use the medication with caution. Additionally, physicians were advised to keep a close eye on patients after they took the first dose, after physicians increased a dose or after a patient ceased taking the drug to ensure that any complications could be quickly caught.
France and Germany suspended use of the drug in 2011, citing bladder cancer as a strong reason for the medication’s discontinuation. India soon followed. Other countries’ pulling of the drug and the FDA’s warnings have led thousands of patients to file lawsuits, and some to seek legal counsel from Florida Actos attorneys to learn more about filing claims. While every case is individual and significant to the patient, many of the claims are similar or the same.
Allegations include Takeda’s failure to warn the public of increased risks of developing bladder cancer and suffering from congestive heart failure. Additionally, plaintiffs and Florida Actos attorneys allege that the manufacturer knew about these complications prior to releasing the drug, but failed to warn the public and the medical community for fear that its profits would drastically drop.
Actos has also been branded with a black-box label acknowledging that the drug may exacerbate or cause congestive heart failure. While side effects such as weight gain and water retention are common, they may place unnecessary strain on the heart and respiratory which can lead to heart failure. Those currently living with heart disease or kidney issues may also develop congestive heart failure while taking the medication. If you have been struggling with your overall health and weight and have suffered from congestive heart failure, consider contacting an experienced Florida Actos attorney to learn more about filing a claim.
Studies show that the drug may also cause a potentially fatal condition caused lactic acidosis, causing patients to suffer from decreased appetite, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, shallow breathing, muscle pain and cramping or sleepiness. Women who take Actos may also have a great chance of suffering from bone fractures in the hands, lower legs, ankles and feet.
Florida Actos Attorneys are Ready When You are
Have you or a loved one suffered from a serious or potentially life-threatening condition after or while taking Actos such as bladder cancer, kidney problems, congestive heart failure, lactic acidosis or increased bone fractures? You may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Attorney Group for Florida today to learn more. We will review your case free of charge and work to determine if you have a valid claim. We will connect you with an experienced Florida Actos attorney who will be able to represent you should you decide to continue with the legal process and file a lawsuit. So contact Attorney Group for Florida today for your free consultation.
