As a treatment option for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Actoplus Met (generic: metformin and pioglitazone) is a dual action medication indicated for the regulation of blood sugar levels. However, the mechanism of action responsible for such regulation may coincide with catastrophic complications. According to recent studies, patients who implement a strict regimen of Actoplus Met may significantly increase their risk of developing an aggressive form of bladder cancer or other severe side effects.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Actoplus Met, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Actoplus Met Lawsuit Overview
Actoplus Met is a dual action prescription medication that helps control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Subsequently, Actoplus Met is intended for people with type 2 diabetes who do not receive insulin injections. Similar to that of Actos, Actoplus Met was developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Following appropriate regulatory actions, Actoplus Met was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 29, 2005.
Actoplus Met was developed to assist in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body fails to use insulin properly and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood. Pioglitazone, the active ingredient in Actos, resides in a group of medications known as thiazolidinediones. As a thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone improves sensitivity to insulin in muscle and adipose tissue and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis. Pioglitazone improves glycemic control while reducing circulating insulin levels.
In association with pioglitazone, Actoplus Met incorporates the use of metformin to further combat the effects of type 2 diabetes. Metformin has a distinct ability to control the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. In doing so, it decreases the amount of glucose the body absorbs from food and the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Subsequently, metformin also increases the body’s response to insulin.
While the dual action formula of pioglitazone and metformin has proven beneficial in the regulation of glucose levels in diabetic patients, treatment may not be without concern. According to the FDA, the use of diabetes medications containing pioglitazone for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Due to the severity of this aggressive form of cancer, patients may contact an Actoplus Met lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Actoplus Met lawsuit.
Actoplus Met Side Effects
The following side effects may be associated with the use of Actoplus Met:
- Shortness of breath
- Bladder cancer
- Swelling
- Rapid weight gain
- Chest pain
- Ill feeling
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Dark urine
While the presence of such side effects are readily treatable with medical intervention, they may serve as indicators for more serious complications that have been associated with Actoplus Met. The following are more severe side effects that may coincide with the use of Actoplus Met:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Liver problems
- Fractures
- Bladder cancer
- Macular edema
Side effects as severe as these may serve as the catalyst for an onslaught of Actoplus Met lawsuits against Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Actoplus Met Bladder Cancer
According to an FDA Drug Safety Communication, the agency has informed the public that the use of pioglitazone-containing diabetes medications for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. This safety information is based on FDA’s review of data from a planned five-year interim analysis of an ongoing, ten-year epidemiological study. The five-year results showed that although there was no overall increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone use, an increased risk of bladder cancer was noted among patients with the longest exposure to pioglitazone, and in those exposed to the highest cumulative dose of pioglitazone.
As the name suggests, bladder cancer is disease that witnesses the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells metastasize throughout the walls of the bladder. In most cases, it begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder of older adults. The symptoms of Actoplus Met bladder cancer may include the following:
- Blood in urine
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Urinary tract infection
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
In early stages, bladder cancer is readily and easily treatable. Most patients who catch it before it metastasizes experience a high success rate. However, if treatment is neglected, patients may be subjected to extreme pain and suffering that can ultimately end in death. If you believe you may have contracted bladder cancer after taking this medication, please contact our lawyers for a free case evaluation regarding your potential Actoplus Met lawsuit.
Do I Have an Actoplus Met Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Actoplyus Met lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Actoplus Met, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.