Have you or a loved one has taken the type 2 diabetes drug Actos?

Actos (pioglitazone) is in a class of prescription drugs known as thiazolidinediones, and used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Side effects include an increased risk of bladder cancer, liver damage, congestive heart failure (CHF), bone fractures, and rhabdomyolysis (kidney damage).

Presently, medical studies have established evidence that the diabetes drug Actos causes adverse side effects on patients who consume the drug for more than 12 months, and in July 2011 the FDA acknowledged and issued a health risk warning associated to the drug and risk of bladder cancer. Germany and France halted the sale of Actos on July 11, 2011, after a study revealed an increased risk for bladder cancer among diabetes patients who were taking the medication.

Side effects include:

• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• Gas
• Blurred vision or other vision changes.
• Frequent, painful, cloudy, discolored, bloody or difficult urination
• Back or abdominal pain
• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; symptoms of heart failure (eg, shortness of breath; sudden, unexplained weight gain).
• Symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine; stomach pain; unexplained nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• Symptoms of low blood sugar (eg, anxiety; chills, increased hunger, headache; increased dizziness or drowsiness; tremors).
• Unusual bone pain.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

The FDA openly advises against the use of Actos for patients with active bladder cancer or with a history of bladder cancer, give that prolonged usage of Actos (pioglitazone) for 12 months or more carries the condition and risk of the terminal condition.

Under the both federal law and the laws of most states persons injured by Actos have the right to sue the drug manufacturer for any reasonably foreseeable damages they have sustained by using the drug. Whether an injured party is entitled to recover compensation and how much that compensation should be is a question that can only be answered by an experienced attorney who is actively engaged in prosecuting Actos claims.

At the Thornhill Law Firm, we fight for our clients by offering services, counsel during this action taken against the makers of Actos. We strive to help our clients and their families understand the connection between the use of Actos and the severe risks of developing bladder cancer. Please allow us to assist you through this difficult time. At the Thornhill Law Firm we believe that our many years of experience and commitment to our clients will lead to a determination of the proper course of action for you and your family.