Information on Actos Lawsuits
In 1999, the antidiabetic drug of Avandia (rosiglitazone) was released by GlaxoSmithKline promising to help with the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. In 2006, the sales peaked, drawing in over two billion dollars for the pharmaceutical company. This, however, was a short lived success after reports began to roll in the subsequent years reporting that the drug was shown to increase the risk of serious side effects, such as heart disease, stroke and even death.
Following this, a new drug came into the national spotlight, marketed as a safe alternative. This prescription drug went by the name of Actos in America and was in the same class of medication. Those who had suffered from taking Avandia and those who had been too frightened of the studies to take the drug rejoiced in the safer medication. Unfortunately, this was too soon of a celebration as recent studies have shown that the drug is anything by safe. Actos has now come under serious fire - showing adverse side effects and even the possibility of life-threatening complications.
Actos Side Effects: Brief Overview of the Dangers
Approved by the FDA in July 1999, Actos (pioglitazone) is the top money earner for Takeda Pharmaceuticals. As the reports regarding Avandia continued to worsen, Actos saw a subsequent rise in its own sales - the sales continually growing as people turned towards it as a safe alternative for diabetic treatment. In fact, it is believed that over two million diabetes patients utilized the drug last year in an effort to deal with the symptoms of their condition.
Is the drug, however, truly as safe as consumers once believed? Unfortunately, not at all. Beginning in 2011, the FDA warned the public regarding the adverse Actos side effects. Some of the most common side effects that were noted included, but are not limited to, the following:
- Blood in the urine;
- Headache and sinus infection;
- Weight gain and fluid retention;
- Frequent and painful urination;
- Urinary tract infection; and
- Lower back pain
Actos and the Risk of Bladder Cancer
Unfortunately, these side effects are not only uncomfortable, they could be signs of an even more serious complication. In fact, due to these complications the drug has been suspended in France pending a Europe-wide investigation. Why? In 2010, the French government released the conclusions of a study that linked taking Actos with the increased risk of bladder cancer. It was found that those who took the drug the longest and those who took the largest dosages were the ones who had the highest risk of the cancer and that men were more vulnerable than women.
This has led to FDA warnings that strengthen previous updates. In August 2011, the FDA warned that the drug was to carry new labels warning potential consumers about the increased risk of bladder cancer. It was also noted that healthcare professionals were to avoid using drugs like Actos that contained pioglitazone in patients with either active bladder cancer or a history of the condition.
Nationwide Assistance for Actos Lawsuits
When dealing with the aftermath of a dangerous drug, it can be daunting to know where to turn. Your entire future will be on the line and you could even be dealing with the stress of an added medical condition. When facing something of this nature, it is extremely important that you do not hesitate to seek the legal representation of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer that can help you with the claim, as well as any litigation complications that could find yourself facing.
At Arnold & Itkin, we are proud to provide our clients with high-quality assistance when it is needed most. Should you choose to work with an Actos attorney from our firm, you will be able to rest assured knowing that you will have the backing of a heavyweight on your side to help you through this troubling time. Our firm is proud to represent clients throughout the nation in complex personal injury litigation. We strongly believe that every client deserves reliable representation and we therefore remain committed to ensuring that we do everything possible to help those who work with us.
We encourage you to consult with our legal team as soon as possible. With extensive experience and an unwavering dedication to the outcome of our clients, you can rest assured knowing that should you choose to work with us that you will have the representation of a lawyer that you can truly trust. We have a reputation for handling complex cases and are often sought from other law firms to serve as counsel. The best part? We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that unless we're successful, you won't have to pay a dime.
Have you been injured by taking Actos? Are you looking to pursue a lawsuit? Don't wait! Contact Arnold & Itkin today for high-quality representation that you can rely on.