Actoplus Met XR (generic: metformin and pioglitazone) is a prescription medication specifically developed to assist in the regulation of blood sugar levels in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In doing so, Actoplus Met XR makes the body more sensitive to the insulin that the body produces naturally. However, the implementation of a strict Actoplus Met XR regimen for approximately one year may result in severe, life-threatening developments. Patients who use Actoplus Met XR to treat type 2 diabetes may increase their risk of developing several severe complications including bladder cancer.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Actoplus Met XR, 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 XR Lawsuit Overview
Similar to that of Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR is the product of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the same company that introduced the world to Actos approximately thirteen years ago. However, Actoplus Met XR’s dual action formula was not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until May 12, 2009. Actoplus Met XR is for people with type 2 diabetes who are not able to regulate their blood sugar levels through the use of daily insulin injections.
Actoplus Met XR 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 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 XR 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.
Unfortunately, the regulatory actions that Actoplus Met XR provides may correspond with severe, life-threatening complications. The implementation of a strict Actoplus Met XR regimen for approximately one year may result in catastrophic developments. Patients who use Actoplus Met XR to treat type 2 diabetes may increase their risk of developing several severe complications including bladder cancer, macular edema, liver problems and congestive heart failure. Due to the severe nature of these complications, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Actoplus Met XR lawsuit.
Actoplus Met XR Side Effects
The following is a list of severe Actoplus Met XR side effects associated with the use of the diabetes medication:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Liver problems
- Fractures
- Bladder cancer
- Macular edema
Our lawyers are currently investigating the link between Actoplus Met XR and these dangerous side effects. Subsequently, if you have experienced any of these side effects after taking this diabetes medication, you may be entitled to compensation through your very own Actoplus Met XR lawsuit.
Actoplus Met XR 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 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.
Macular Edema
Recently obtained evidence suggests the diabetes medication may also be responsible for a significant increase in the risk of developing macular edema. Researchers from the University of Nottingham discovered that diabetics who fail to keep their blood sugar under control with pioglitazone-containing medications may increase their risk of developing macular edema, a condition that can ultimately cause an individual to go blind. Macular edema occurs when fluid and protein deposits collect on or under the macula of the eye and causes it to thicken and swell. The swelling can potentially distort a person’s central vision, as the macula is near the center of the retina at the back of the eyeball.
Do I Have an Actoplus Met XR 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 XR lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Actoplus Met XR, 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.