Diabetes Drug Found to Increase Risk of Bladder Cancer

Businessman at the table makes a phone call before signing the contract

On April 7, 2014, a federal jury in Louisiana revealed that Takeda did not sufficiently warn about bladder cancer risks of using Actos (pioglitazone). Reports suggest that Takeda performed experiments on animals before the drug went to market in 1999, and found an increased risk of bladder cancer when the animals were provided the drug. However, the manufacturer deemed the study as inconclusive because the sample size was so small.

The diabetes medication Actos may cause an increased risk of bladder cancer when taken for more than one year. Takeda had an obligation to its consumers to warn about this adverse health effect, but failed to reveal its findings to patients and doctors. As a result, it is legally responsible for any suffering the drug caused and may be subject to defective product liability suits. The Louisiana federal jury awarded a total of $9 billion in punitive damages.

Actos, ActoPlus Met, ActoPlus, Met XR, or Duetact users who were diagnosed with bladder cancer potentially have a legal case against the manufacturer if they were not warned about the possible Actos bladder cancer risk. My Rhode Island personal injury law firm has seen first-hand the pain and suffering certain medications may cause. If you or a loved one is in pain from using Actos, contact our firm to take legal action. Takeda lied to its consumers, doctors, and the Federal Drug Administration, and justice needs to be served.