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Diabetes Drug Actos May Increase Risk of Bladder Cancer
We represent people with diabetes who took Actos, ACTOplus met, actoplus met xr and duetact for more than one year and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer. We are also investigating potential claims of people who took Actos and had a heart attack or stroke.
Our firm will investigate and personally work your case, in contrast with many websites that advertise for leads and then sell your inquiry to some unknown attorney.
Actos (generically known as pioglitazone), ACTOplus met (pioglitazone HCI and metformin HCI), Actoplus met xr (pioglitazone HCI and metformin HCI extended-release) and Duetact (pioglitazone HCI and glimepiride) are used to treat type 2 diabetes. The manufacturers of Actos (pioglitazone) warned doctors that the drug may cause or worsen congestive heart failure and that Actoplus met and Actoplus met xr can cause lactic acidosis, but did not warn that the drug may cause bladder cancer.
On July 15, 2011, the FDA announced (FDA 6.15.11 Safety Announcement) that the use of the diabetes medication Actos for more than a year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The agency’s information was based on its review of data from an ongoing ten-year study. That study showed that an increased risk of bladder cancer was noted among patients with the longest exposure to Actos and the highest cumulative dose of Actos.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that use of the diabetes medication Actos (pioglitazone) for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.” (FDA 6/15/11 Announcement.) This finding prompted the FDA to add a warning to the medication label.
Researchers have only recognized a few things as causing bladder cancer (parasitic infection, radiation and chemical exposure). (Source: Mayo Clinic. See, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bladder-cancer/DS00177/DSECTION=causes).
Actos is produced by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Asia’s largest drugmaker, and has been one of the company’s most successful drugs. Actos is also one of the best selling diabetes medications on the market. According to industry analysts, from January through October 2010 approximately 2.3 million people filled prescriptions for Actos, bringing the company revenues of more than $2.6 billion. See patent information at: http://drugpatentwatch.com/ultimate/preview/tradename/index.php?query=ACTOS
Actos, ACTOplus met, actoplus met xr and duetact were seen as alternatives to the drug Avandia, whose maker just recently settled cases alleging that it was linked to strokes and heart attacks. According to John Evans, a partner at Specter Specter Evans & Manogue, P.C., “The makers of Avandia spent billions to settle lawsuits tied to Avandia. In the wake of problems associated with Avandia, doctors began prescribing Actos as safer alternative, causing its sales to skyrocket by the billions.”
Evans went on to say, “If the drugmaker knew of problems associated with its drug but suppressed the information to capitalize on the Avandia disaster, the company will be held accountable for both the drug and for suppressing information from doctors and patients. As Actos was marketed in the United States by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co., that company may also be responsible.”
If you or a family member took Actos, ACTOplus met, actoplus met xr or duetact to treat diabetes for more than one year and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, please contact us. John Evans (jcevans@ssem.com), one of our experienced pharmaceutical attorneys, would be pleased to assist you in seeking legal remedies.
If you or a family member took Actos, ACTOplus met, actoplus met xr or duetact to treat diabetes and suffered a heart attack or stroke, we would be interested in speaking with you. Please email Mr. Evans at jcevans@ssem.com or give him a call at 1-800-642-5297.
You may also complete the short form below or call us at 1-800-642-5297 for a free, confidential consultation at a time convenient for you.
