The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Actos as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in 1999. Due to the number of diabetes patients in the country, the drug quickly rose in popularity as the product’s manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, touted it as an effective treatment for the condition. However, many patients have reportedly suffered from Actos risks and complications such as bladder cancer and cardiovascular problems.
Actos and Bladder Cancer
Many plaintiffs who are currently pursuing claims against the manufacturers for compensation allege that they were diagnosed with cancer of the bladder. If you have noticed back pain, frequent urination, painful urination, or more frequent urinary tract infections, discuss your condition with your healthcare provider, as these are common signs of bladder cancer.
Following several studies that linked Actos to cancer, the FDA made an announcement on June 15, 2011 to alert the public that the product’s warning label would be updated to reflect the risk of bladder cancer. Additionally, the agency reported that it would continue its investigation into the alleged Actos risks to determine the medication’s efficacy and safety.
Actos Risks, Complications Alleged by Plaintiffs
While there are several hundred Actos lawsuits pending against Takeda Pharmaceuticals, it is possible that the manufacturer could be named a defendant in more than 10,000 claims. An early bellwether trial resolved when a Louisiana federal court awarded the plaintiff $9 billion in punitive damages. Takeda is also facing a lawsuit filed by insurance provider Blue Cross Blue Shield in which the insurance company claims that the manufacturer knew of the possible Actos risks yet failed to warn of the potential dangers. As a result, Blue Cross Blue Shield claims that it was responsible for paying for medical expenses that it should not have incurred had the manufacturer acknowledged these Actos risks.
On December 30, 2011, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation moved all federal Actos lawsuits into a consolidated proceeding to be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Plaintiffs allege complications such as bladder cancer and accuse the manufacturers of knowing of the Actos risks but failing to warn the public and medical communities for fear of losing profits.
Contact Attorney Group for Louisiana
Actos has been linked to several potentially serious side effects, including cardiovascular complications and bladder cancer. If you took Actos to treat your type 2 diabetes and you suffered a serious injury or medical condition while using the medication, you could be eligible to recover damages. Contact Attorney Group for Louisiana today for a free, no-obligation consultation to elp you determine whether you have a case. We can put you in contact with one of our affiliated Actos bladder cancer attorneys in Louisiana who can help you pursue your claim for the damages to which you may be entitled.
