If you were diagnosed with cancer after taking this diabetes drug please contact us for the latest Actos lawsuit 2011 news. We are currently representing people throughout the United States.

The FDA also noted that results from a similar study in France led to the withdrawal of pioglitazone (generic name for Actos) from that market. In addition, Germany has implemented a number of restrictions on the sale of the medication to new patients. The drug is still available for sale in the U.S., however, exposing potentially millions of people to the development of bladder cancer.

In addition to the typical dangers associated with any type of malignancy, Actos bladder cancer poses an additional one. It has the highest recurrence rate among all types of cancer.

#1 – Does Actos Cause Bladder Cancer?

New information continues to surface regarding the connection between this medication and the onset of bladder cancer. As recently as September 2010, the FDA stated that it “has not concluded that Actos increases the risk of bladder cancer.” The June 2011 safety announcement was a clear change in direction.

To date, data suggests the risk of the disease is associated with how long Actos is taken (longer than one year) and the dosage to which the patient is exposed. But it is important to note that the FDA’s warning came after an interim review of an ongoing study. They have stated their intention to continue their analysis, and review the results from a similar French study. The agency has promised to “update the public when more information becomes available.”

#2 – What Are The Symptoms Of Actos Bladder Cancer Side Effects?

Bladder cancer can cause a number of symptoms. A person with the disease may find blood in her urine. They might also experience an urge to urinate more frequently, or do so urgently. Pain during urination is also common, and may be accompanied by lower back pain.

Some of these signs are often dismissed as symptoms of unrelated issues. For example, pain in the lower back may be disregarded as a strained or pulled muscle.

#3 – What Should I Do If I Notice Symptoms?

Consult your physician as soon as possible if you observe any of the symptoms noted above. Successful treatment of bladder cancer is dependent, in part, on catching the disease early. As time passes, cancer cells in the bladder will penetrate more deeply into the organ’s tissues. It could also spread to distant parts of the body, becoming difficult to treat.

#4 – How Is Bladder Cancer Treated?

If the disease is detected early enough, a doctor can perform a transurethral resection. A thin instrument called a cystoscope is directed through the urethra. A tool on the cystoscope is used to remove the tumor. This procedure allows the patient to avoid invasive abdominal surgery.

Once the cancer cells penetrate the layer of muscle in the bladder, a cystectomy is done. A radical cystectomy involves the removal of the entire organ; a partial cystectomy spares part of it.

If the disease spreads outside the bladder, the organ is removed (i.e. cystectomy) and chemotherapy is administered. Sometimes, it is given before surgery in order to shrink the tumor.

#5 – Once The Disease Is Cured, Am I Safe?

Unfortunately, bladder cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates among all types of malignancies. Even after the disease has been treated successfully, there is a good chance it will reappear down the road. Survivors are strongly encouraged to seek follow-up care periodically as advised by their physicians.

Bladder cancer, while rare, is a serious condition. If too much time passes before it is detected and treated, it can jeopardize the bladder and become life-threatening.

Actos Lawsuit 2011 Claims Expected To Grow

In their June 2011 safety announcement, the Food and Drug Administration promised to update the warning label attached to drugs containing pioglitazone. The update includes mention of the risk of bladder cancer when people use the medication for longer than a year. But for many people who used this drug to treat their type 2 diabetes, and then later developed bladder cancer, this warning comes too late.

This has spurred hundreds of Actos lawsuit bladder cancer claims filed against the drug’s maker Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Some people in the legal community, citing recent bans of the medication in France and Germany, expect the number of lawsuits to climb far higher.

To date, there has been no Actos class action lawsuit filed against Takeda Pharmaceuticals in the U.S. All cases have been filed individually. If you have used this medication and been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Contact an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit attorney to discuss your case. There is never any cost or obligation to discuss your legal options with one of our attorneys. We are currently representing patients throughout the United States in bringing individual claims against the manufacturer.