FAQs about Actos general
Pioglitazone is sold alone and in combination with other diabetic medications.
Medications containing pioglitazone:
Brand name: Actos
Scientific Name: pioglitazone hydrochloride
Drug class: thiazolidinediones
Multi-ingredient medications containing pioglitazone:
Brand name: Duetact
Scientific name: hydrochloride and glimepiride
Drug class: antidiabetic combinations
Brand names: ActoPlus Met, ActoPlus Met XR
Scientific name: pioglitazone hydrochloride and metformin
Drug class: antidiabetic combinations
Pioglitazone is used primarily in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is prescribed along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels.
If you have been prescribed medicine for type 2 diabetes, chances are that at some point in time you took a drug containing pioglitazone. Check your medicine bottle and your written prescriptions to see if you are taking any of the combinations listed above. Contact your doctor or your pharmacy to find out if you have ever taken pioglitazone in the past.
The FDA has stated that further investigation is needed to fully understand the severity of the bladder cancer risk. They have, however, changed the packaging of Actos, Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, and Duetact to include warnings about bladder cancer. The French government has completely pulled Actos off their shelves, while the German government has recently advised all doctors to cease prescribing Actos until further studies can be completed.
The most common warning sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria), which may or may not be visible. Other symptoms may include: change in bladder habits, including having to urinate more often, an urgent need to urinate, or burning when you urinate; needing to urinate but not being able to; difficulty initiating or stopping urine flow; weak, interrupted, or painful urine flow; abdominal pain; loss of weight or appetite; persistent lower back, upper thigh, or pelvic pain.
You should immediately see your doctor to fully address your concerns and questions regarding these symptoms and your Actos, Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, or Duetact use. Although the medicine may be the best way to control your diabetes, the risks might outweigh the benefits. If you’ve been taking the medicine for an extended period of time, you should schedule an appointment to determine if continued treatment is the best option. You should make certain that your doctor is aware of the risks of bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer can be caused by many different things. Most of the studies indicating a link between pioglitazone and bladder cancer were just recently published and it wasn’t until June of 2011 that the FDA issued its first warnings about the bladder cancer risk. Your doctor may or may not be able to determine what caused your cancer.
From a legal standpoint, you don’t need to prove that the medicine caused or contributed to your bladder cancer. That’s our job. Let our qualified pharmaceutical lawyers evaluate your case free of charge and help you determine whether or not you have a valid claim against the drug manufacturer.
If you were diagnosed with bladder cancer after taking Actos, Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, or Duetact, you may have the right to be compensated for your losses. The law firm of Sullo & Sullo, LLP. represents people in their claims against Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of these drugs.
We are a national pharmaceutical litigation firm with experience in this highly specialized area of law. If you or someone you know may have developed bladder cancer following ingestion of Actos, Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, or Duetact, please contact our offices for a free consultation with one of our pharmaceutical attorneys. Our toll-free number is 1-855-520-6644.