Flood Law Office Helps Victims of Defective Diabetes Drug Actos

A recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning regarding the risks associated with the type 2 diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) has led to uncertainty for many patients who have relied on this medication for management of their disease. In June 2011, the agency issued a safety alert stating that Actos is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. As a result, many Actos patients may be unsure whether the medication is safe for them. Those who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer may be wondering whether to stop taking the drug and/or whether to pursue legal action. Flood Law Office, a team of skilled, dedicated personal injury attorneys, is committed to helping diabetes patients who have been harmed by Actos obtain the information they need to ensure their continued health and, if necessary, achieve just restitution for their financial losses, pain and suffering.

Actos is an oral medication manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. By increasing the body's insulin sensitivity, it helps to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Actos is used in tandem with exercise and diet programs and is sometimes prescribed in combination with other medications.

The June 2011 FDA alert was based on the results of an ongoing 10-year study conducted by Takeda. At the five-year interim, it was found that while there was no overall increased risk of bladder cancer associated with Actos, an increased risk was found among patients with the longest use and highest cumulative doses of the drug. As a result, the FDA added a warning to the drug's "Warning and Precautions" declaring that use of Actos for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. In response to an additional study in France, that country's health agency has suspended the use of Actos, prompting Takeda to remove the drug from the French market.

In its June 2011 statement, the FDA advised patients to continue taking Actos unless told by their doctor to stop. Patients concerned about the potential risks of the drug were advised to speak with their physicians. In addition, the FDA advised doctors to continue prescribing Actos in accordance with the recommendations in the drug's label. The FDA further stated that Actos should not be prescribed to patients with active bladder cancer and should be prescribed with caution in patients who have a past history of the disease. In each case, the unknown but potential risks of bladder cancer should be weighed against the benefits of blood sugar control.

If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer after taking Actos, or if you believe you have suffered other side effects of the drug, you may wish to consider legal action against Takeda Pharmaceutical or Eli Lilly, the packager and marketer of Actos. Flood Law Office and its staff of experienced personal injury lawyers can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action. Flood Law Office is staffed with compassionate, knowledgeable lawyers who are thoroughly versed on the intricacies of personal injury law as well as the physical suffering, emotional despair and financial strain that can result from drug companies' failure to properly warn patients regarding the risks associated with their products. A skilled Flood Law Office attorney can help potential Actos bladder cancer victims achieve justice and financial compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering. For more information contact Flood Law Office at (800) 791-4980.