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Actos Frequently Asked Questions
What is Actos?
Actos is a prescription drug (Pioglitazone HCL) used by adults with type 2 diabetes to help improve their blood sugar level. It works better for some people than other similar drugs. Unfortunately, Actos has been linked to bladder cancer in some long term users. Actos is made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and usually is presented as an oral tablet taken daily by mouth with water.
Why is Actos prescribed?
Actos is useful in controlling glucose levels in the blood. This is very important for persons with diabetes. Actos is prescribed to help adults control their type 2 diabetes. Diabetes affects the way the body uses blood sugar; controlling glucose is an important goal.
What type of medicine is Actos?
Actos is the trade name of a drug called Pioglitazone, available only by prescription. It belongs to the drug call thiazolidinedione (TZD). It has hypoglycemic (antidiabetic) action that helps control blood glucose (sugar) levels. It is a best-selling drug in the U.S. (2008) and had sales over $2.4 billion. When the drug Avanida was taken off the market due to cardiac risk factors, Pioglitazone was a substitute. Since its introduction, this drug has been associated with bladder tumors.
What can Actos do for Diabetics?
The main function of Actos is to control blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes. It works in the liver, adipose tissue and muscle tissues to lower insulin resistance. It works in the blood to reduce sugar. When sugar levels are not under control, a diabetic can develop severe medical problems like heart attacks or strokes, kidney failure, loss of vision or amputation.
Are there Side Effects?
Persons using Actos should watch for several possible side effects caused by this drug. Important ones include weight gain and fluid retention, which could precipitate problems with congestive heart failure due to fluid overload. Other side effects to beware of are upper respiratory infections, headaches, sinusitis and cold-like symptoms. Urinary tract infections, limb pain, nausea and diarrhea may also be caused by Actos. Studies are in progress to confirm reports that Actos causes bladder cancer, inability to have children and testicular tumors. Anyone experiencing these types of side effects should immediately consult with their physician regarding continued use of Actos.
Are there contraindications?
Pregnant or nursing women should not take Actos. Actos may interact with other drugs, vitamins or supplements. Always tell your doctor about any medicines or vitamins and supplements you may be taking, especially if you are prescribed controlled drugs like Actos. Some patients may be allergic to ingredients in Actos. Persons that suffer from heart failure or liver disease should not take Actos.
Have there been Warnings Issued?
There have been warnings about Actos issued in Europe and the U.S. The FDA issued a safety warning on June 15, 2011 to the public about Actos and possible links to bladder cancer. The drug should not be used if there is evidence of back pain or blood in the urine, as these may be signs of bladder cancer. These cautions are to be added to drug labels under "Warnings and Precautions" and also included in patient Medication Guides. The official Actos website lists many side effect warnings, including the possibility of broken bones, dizziness, pregnancy, anemia and more.
Is there an Actos Recall?
There has not been an official Actos recall yet, but personal injury attorneys keep abreast of all the latest developments about Actos and Actos lawsuits in progress. European drug regulators have not issued a recall, but have issued warnings about Actos; in some countries, like France and Germany, doctors are advised to prescribe Actos only if other medications have failed to be effective.
Does Actos Cause Bladder Cancer?
In pre-approval testing of rats, the animals did develop cancerous tumors following administration of Actos. In humans, use of Actos and development of bladder cancer occurs most likely following long term use of the drug for at least 12 months. Some users do not have trouble using Actos, others are suing the manufacturer for not advising the public about bladder cancer danger from use of Actos. A ten year study confirms some relationship between Actos and bladder cancer; more studies are underway.
What are Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
Severe back pain, bloody or reddish urine and pain while urinating are all symptoms that should be brought immediately to the attention of a physician for diagnosis. Bladder cancer treatment is invasive and painful; repeated surgeries may be required. Diagnosis methods include cystoscopy, in which a thin tube with a tiny camera and light are inserted up through the urethra into the bladder for internal inspection.
Who Can Help if Injury Occurs due to Actos?
If you or a family member has taken the prescription drug Actos and developed bladder cancer or had issues with severe side effects from using Actos, you may file your own legal claims against Actos as your personal injury lawyer recommends. The best course of action is to immediately consult your personal injury attorney.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Dean Goetz are actively investigating cases where people have developed bladder cancer after using Actos. Residents of California and adjacent states may have the option of having an Actos lawsuit filed in California state court, a more favorable venue than federal court or many courts in other states. For that reason, contact Dean Goetz immediately to discuss your potential Actos lawsuit. You can receive a free telephone consultation NOW. Call 858-481-8844.
What are Time Limits for a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Generally, you must file your Actos lawsuit in California within two years from the date you found out that you had bladder cancer. This date may be extended or reduced depending on the specific facts of your case so talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Please be aware that exactly when a cause of action accrues under California law, and therefore what the deadline is for filing an Actos lawsuit, varies based on the specific facts of each person's case.
How Can San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Dean Goetz Help Actos Victims?
If you developed bladder cancer after using Actos, or another drug containing the same active ingredient such as Duetact, ActoPlus Met, or ActoPlus Met RX, contact Dean Goetz for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation. Our main office is in San Diego, California, but we assist clients throughout California and the United States. Use the "Contact Us" form on the left side of the page to reach us, or use call us. We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless and until we recover money for you. If we recover nothing for you, you will not be charged anything.
Selected California Statutes:
California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1
Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.
Learn More - Actos Personal Injury Lawsuits
• Actos Frequently Asked Questions
• Actos Personal Injury Lawsuits
