Georgia Actos attorneys are currently representing plaintiffs who took the prescription drug Actos and subsequently developed bladder cancer. Physicians prescribe this medication to help those struggling with type 2 diabetes, but plaintiffs across the country are filing lawsuits against Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals, alleging that the drug causes serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
In the first Actos lawsuit trial brought forth by a patient, and after more than a week of deliberating the case, a jury awarded the plaintiff $6.5 million in April 2013 after finding that Takeda failed to properly disclose the medication’s link to bladder cancer.
Side Effects and Alleged Bladder Cancer Link
Physicians and patients agree that some side effects are common including headaches, feeling ill, upper respiratory infections, sinus irritations or infections, fever, chills, low blood sugar, sore throats, fatigue, urinary tract infections, diarrhea and allergic reactions. However, more serious side effect allegations include bladder cancer, congestive heart failure, liver problems and increased risk of bone fractures.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in June 2011 informing consumers that using the medication for over 12 months may potentially cause an increased risk of bladder cancer. During this same time period, French authorities suspended sales of the medication due to these alleged risks.
The drug safety agency in Canada, Health Canada, issued a similar safety warning in April 2012 alleging that patients living with type 2 diabetes and taking Actos for over one year had a two times higher chance of suffering from bladder cancer than similar patients taking other medications.
Plaintiffs and Georgia Actos attorneys maintain that manufacturers of diabetic drugs have a responsibility to the public and the medical community to create safe products. Should these companies find that their products are not safe, they have a duty to warn patients and their doctors of potential adverse health effects and conditions. Lawsuits filed by patients taking Actos allege that the manufacturer, Takeda, violated both duties and that the company should be held responsible for the harm its negligence caused.
Complaints filed by Georgia Actos attorneys and the plaintiffs they represent also allege that, before Actos was introduced in 1999, Takeda had evidence of clinical trials that had concluded that rats taking the drug showed an increased risk of bladder cancer. They further allege that Takeda failed to disclose these results to health regulators in hopes that leaving this evidence out would increase their sales.
However, after the FDA approved the drug in 1999, the agency required Takeda to submit to a post-marketing study to examine the effectiveness and safety of the product. Yet, the manufacturer allegedly delayed the study until 2003 and subsequently designed the trial to last over the course of 10 years. Because of the design of the trial, the results will not be available until Takeda’s patent on Actos expires.
In 2005, results of another study were brought to light; researchers intended to illustrate potential cardiovascular benefits while taking the medication. However, the study concluded that 14 participants were diagnosed with bladder cancer while taking Actos, compared to five participants diagnosed with the same condition without taking the medication. Again, the manufacturer allegedly denied that the drug was to blame.
Actos Lawsuits and Patients’ Legal Rights
Those who have been injured by a prescription drug may be entitled to bring claims against the manufacturer with the help of a Georgia Actos attorney if plaintiffs believe that the company withheld or misinformed the public about potential side effects or complications. Additionally, many families of victims are filing wrongful death lawsuits against the manufacturer, claiming that the drug caused a condition that fatally injured their loved ones.
While the cases appear to be moving forward, the drug still remains on the market, and plaintiffs working with Georgia Actos attorneys are alleging that failing to remove the product may be placing more patients at unnecessary risk for bladder cancer and congestive heart failure. Based on current trends, experts report that the manufacturer could face over 10,000 lawsuits in the United States for its allegedly defective diabetic drug.
Injured? You Need a Georgia Actos Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured or diagnosed with bladder cancer, congestive heart failure or another serious condition while taking Actos, you may be entitled to pursue a claim against the manufacturer. Contact Attorney Group for Georgia today for a free consultation and to learn more about your rights as a patient. We will do our best to answer any questions you may have about your injuries, current lawsuits or filing a new claim. If we feel that you have a claim, we will connect you with a professional Georgia Actos attorney who will assist you in filing for compensation. You may be entitled to receive damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of ability to earn income and medical expenses. So contact Attorney Group for Georgia today for your free consultation.
