Actos is an oral diabetes medicine prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes. Actos is not for treating Type 1 diabetes. Actos is designed to help control blood sugar levels by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Actos has been linked to an increase in the risk of bladder cancer in some patients.
FDA Warnings of Actos and Bladder Cancer Risks
The FDA has issued a warning of the increased risk of bladder cancer with the use of Actos. A five-year analysis of bladder cancer among Actos users revealed an increased risk of bladder cancer among those who used the drug the longest or in the highest cumulative doses, prompting the FDA warning. As a result, FDA officials say Actos should not be prescribed to people with bladder cancer or people with a history of bladder cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States. In 2012, an estimated 74,000 people received diagnoses for bladder cancer. Medical professionals also predict an increase in the number of bladder cancer cases in the coming years. Aside from blood in the urine, the most common symptoms of bladder cancer are painful urination, frequent urination, and feeling like you have to urinate but are unable to.
Treatment for Bladder Cancer
Available treatments for bladder cancer include:
- Surgery to remove the bladder and reconstruct a urinary diversion to allow near normal urination
- Chemotherapy to treat metastatic bladder cancer or cancer that has spread
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
If the disease is caught early and treated aggressively, patients can expect a strong prognosis. If treated before it spreads, patients have a five-year cancer-specific survival rate near 95 percent.
Contact an Attorney
Attorneys at Principal Law Group can help you to review potential Actos bladder cancer claims. If you or a loved one were prescribed Actos and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today to find out if you are eligible.