European health officials have officially acknowledged the long-suspected link between Actos and severe bladder cancer. Just one month after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that warnings about potential Actos bladder cancer risks would be added to the labels here in the United States, European medical officials called for new warnings about the risk of bladder cancer from Actos to be added to the labels of Takeda Pharmaceutical’s popular diabetes drug.
This reaction by the European Medical Agency (EMA) comes in the wake of a recent study conducted by their Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The results of the study confirmed the risk of severe bladder cancer. However, the CHMP believes that the beneficial aspects of Actos, for some type 2 diabetics, may outweigh the potential complications associated with it. As a result, the EMA has indicated that these new warnings are sufficient enough to allow Actos to remain on the European market. There are, however, two countries in Europe where the diabetes medication is no longer sold.
The French Medicines Agency removed Actos from pharmacy shelves after a government-funded study discovered that it significantly increased the risk of developing bladder cancer. The agency told French doctors to stop prescribing the drugs to patients, but said people currently using them should consult their doctors. German health officials followed close behind after reviewing the French report, which tracked diabetics from 2006 to 2009. It was not long after that Germany banned the medication as well.
The active ingredient found in Actos, pioglitazone, resides in a group of drugs known as thiazolidinediones. It is because of pioglitazone that Actos demonstrates the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This particular ingredient initiates a process that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a natural occurring substance that assists in the regulation of blood sugar levels. In doing so, Actos helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes.
Using Actos, which contains pioglitazone, fails to demonstrate a favorable risk-benefit profile for consumers looking to control their diabetes. Pioglitazone may be responsible for numerous side effects. Patients who use this medication for a prolonged period of time may increase their risk of developing congestive heart failure, macular edema or severe bladder cancer. Due to the dangers associated with these side effects, many patients may seek compensation for their pain and suffering by filing an Actos lawsuit.
In early stages, Actos bladder cancer is readily and easily treatable. Many individuals who catch it before it metastasizes experience a high success rate in their treatment. However, if treatment is neglected, patients may be subjected to extreme pain and suffering that may result in fatal circumstances. Treatments include a number of surgical procedures to remove the cancerous cells, but if the cancer has spread, a patient may need to undergo exhausting chemotherapy, radiation therapy or biological therapy. Due to the severity of bladder cancer, many patients have sought compensation for their pain and suffering by filing an Actos lawsuit against Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
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Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Actos, 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.