Actos
Actos (Pioglitazone)
In 2010, approximately 2.3 million people filled a Diabetes medication prescription for pioglitazone containing products from their local pharmacy. These products, marketed as Actos, Actoplus, and Duetact are associated with numerous side effects, including cancer. If you or a loved one is experiencing negative symptoms from Actos, we can help you get the compensation you may be entitled to.
What is Actos?
Actos is used to control of blood sugar in patients with type 2 Diabetes in conjunction with other medications, such as insulin, since 1999. Banned in India, France, and Germany, Takeda™, the maker of this drug, knew that Actos was not safe for long-term use. The watchdog publication Consumer Reports has urged Americans to avoid Actos at all costs due to its dangers.
What are the dangers of Actos?
Actos has been associated with a variety of serious side effects including an increased risk of bladder cancer, weight gain, bone fractures, and rhabdomylosis. It has also been linked to liver disease and edema which exacerbates heart failure.
The FDA warns that the use of Actos can result in Rhabdomyolysis which is a condition that deteriorates muscle fibers and can result in kidney failure.
Some of the negative side effects of using Actos include:
- Sore throat
- muscle pain
- tooth problems
- vision problems
- reddish-colored urine
- urgent need to urinate
- pain while urinating
- yellowing of eyes/skin
- persistent nausea/vomiting
- stomach/abdominal pain
- Fluid retention
- trouble breathing
- unusual tiredness
- pain in back or lower abdomen
What Can I do?
In 2014 a federal jury found that Takeda knowingly manufactured an unsafe product and marketed Actos despite knowing about the risks it carried. A warning label was placed on the product in 2011. By then Actos had already been taken by diabetic patients for over 10 years.
You may be entitled for compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Taking legal action protects not only yourself and your loved one, but also sends a message that this type of behavior is not acceptable.
Call the Hershewe Law Firm at 417-999-9999 or contact us for a free consultation to find out how we can help.