What is Actos?
Actos (pioglitazone) is a prescription medication from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, in a class known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which functions as an anti-hyperglycemia stimulus in connexion to management of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2 (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Essentially, the drug lowers the patient's blood glucose level.
It was among the ten best-selling drugs in the United States in 2008; however, despite that market-success, its mass-prescribing has come with negative results, including associations being made between Actos and bladder tumors.
If you or a loved one have used Actos for a span of one or more years and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, contact an Actos Attorney at the Finz firm now at (855) TOP-FIRM or complete the Free Actos Case Evaluation form to find out how the Finz law firm can help you.
How does Actos Work?
Actos functions by stimulating a peroxisone proliferator in a selective manner, which modulates insulin-sensitive gene transcription in connexion to control of glucose metabolism in, among other things, a patient's liver. The net effect is a reduction of the amount of glucose, as well as insulin and glycated hemoglobin, in the patient's blood.
What are the Side-Effects of Actos?
The more general side-effects that accompany Actos use (such as muscle aches; headache; sore throat; sinus pain; and weight gain), and, its admitted severe side-effects (bone fractures of female patients, severe swelling, and congestive heart failure) aside, the most-alarming potential side-effect of Actos use is its potential for causing bladder cancer.
So alarming is the association with the development of bladder cancer in connexion to Actos use that, the drug has been pulled from the market in multiple countries. For example, it was pulled from the market in France on June 9, 2011; and, on June 15, 2011 the United States Food and Drug Administration released its findings in an announcement that, the use of Actos for a period of time that, extends "more than one year" could be associated with increased risk of bladder cancer, which likewise prompted mandating Takeda Pharmaceuticals to alter its warning label.
Legal Help for Actos Victims
If you or a loved one have used Actos for a span of over one year and diagnosed with bladder cancer, contact a defective drug attorney at the Finz firm now at (855) TOP-FIRM or complete the Free Actos Case Evaluation form to find out how the Finz law firm can help you.
