Actos is a prescription medication manufactured by Takeda which is prescribed to control glucose (blood sugar) in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is sold under the brand name Actos, as well as Actoplus Met, Duetact, and the generic name Pioglitazone.

Recent medical studies have linked Actos to bladder cancer. In September, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Safety Announcement, stating that the FDA was beginning a safety review of Actos, after it had received preliminary results from a study to evaluate the risk of bladder cancer associated with Actos. Preliminary results showed no overall association between Actos and risk of bladder cancer; however, the patients who had used Actos the longest had an increased risk of bladder cancer. To see the FDA announcement, click here: http://www.fda'gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm226214.htm

The FDA has advised Actos users that there may be an increased chance of having bladder cancer when using Actos/pioglitazone. The FDA advises that Actos users tell their doctor right away if they have any of the following symptoms of bladder cancer: blood or red color in urine; urgent need to urinate or pain while urinating; pain in back or lower abdomen. The FDA further urges Actos users to report side effects from the use of pioglitazone medicines to the FDA MedWatch program by phone or fax, or by using their online form, available here: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm

If the Actos manufacturer failed to adequately research the risk of bladder cancer or warn about the potential risk and you suffered bladder cancer as a result of your Actos use, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced pharmaceutical attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Dentoon for a free consultation.