Actos Linked to Bladder Cancer

Actos (pioglitazone) is an oral anti-diabetes drug which is used to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin.  In September, 2010, the FDA stated that it was “reviewing data from an ongoing 10-year study designed to evaluate whether Actos is associated with bladder cancer.”  Later, in June, 2011, the FDA informed the public that the use of Actos for more than a year may be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.  Several manufacturers of Actos are defendants in litigation filed in Louisiana and Illinois.  Recently, a whistleblower lawsuit was filed against the maker of Actos claiming that makers misled the FDA

Bladder Cancer  The bladder is particularly susceptible to the negative side effects of drugs, because of the way in which chemicals pass through our bodies.  Sometimes it may be difficult to determine whether the cancer was caused by Actos or by other risk factors associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Other Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer  A risk factor is any factor associated with the risk of developing a disease.  Several known factors that may increase a persons risk of bladder cancer are: smoking, industrial chemical exposure, chronic bladder irritations and infections, and chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  If a person has any of these known risk factors in addition to having  taken Actos, the  pharmaceutical companies defending theses lawsuits are arguing that Actos cannot be proven to have caused the cancer.  However, this does not mean that a person with other risk factors of bladder cancer can never prevail in an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit.  You should consult an attorney experienced in dangerous drug cases to inform you of your rights.

Harm Caused by Bladder Cancer  As with all cancers, the harm that can be done by bladder cancer primarily depends on the stage in which the cancer is discovered and treatment began.  There are four stages of cancer.  Stage I means the cancer is confined to the bladder and is the most treatable.  Stage II indicates a flat tumor which may consist of layers of cancer cells lining the bladder.  Stage III means that the bladder wall has been invaded by the cancer, which could result in the loss of the bladder.  Stage IV is the most advanced, indicating the presence of invasive metastatic disease through the bladder wall.  The metastasis may extend to the organs and tissue adjoining the bladder wall and can cause death.

Treatment for Bladder Cancer  Treatment options for bladder cancer will of course depend on the severity and extent of the cancer.  If treatment is appropriate, options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or biologic therapy.

We handle Actos cases all across the country.  If you have taken the diabetes drug Actos and been diagnosed when bladder cancer, you need to contact one of our Memphis, Tennesee defective drug lawyers today for a free consultation.    Call us at 901-680-9777.

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