The drug Actos or its generic form, pioglitazone, can have devastating side effects for those taking the medication for a year or more. If you or someone you love is currently on pioglitazone for Type II diabetes mellitus it’s essential that you be aware of the risks.
What kinds of side effects should you be aware of?
First read the Medication Guide that came with your prescription. It should contain all the information on the drug’s side effects. Consult a doctor about terms that are confusing or recommendations that may apply to you.
What your doctor may not be aware of are the new warnings the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued about the side effects of Actos and pioglitazone. A recent FDA study showed an increased risk of bladder cancer was noted among patients who were taking pioglitazone for more than a year. Depending on the dose and the length of time a patient had been taking the drug, their risk of bladder cancer may have increased as much as 40%.
How will I know if I’m developing bladder cancer as the result of taking Actos or Pioglitazone?
Be aware of how your body is reacting to the drug. The longer you take pioglitazone and the greater the dose, the more likely it is that you will experience symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blood or red color in urine
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pain while urinating
- Pain in back or lower abdomen
Contact your doctor immediately and tell your physician that you are experiencing side effects of your medication that may be related to bladder cancer.
Other possible side effects of Actos that may not indicate bladder cancer could be related to congestive heart failure, liver disease, allergic skin reactions, edema or hypoglycemia among others. Side effects may include:Cold-like symptoms, weight gain, rashes, blurred vision, swelling, shortness of breath, unexplained nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes and weakness.
What are my legal rights when it comes to the side effects of Actos?
While all medications have certain, anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer must inform doctors and patients of the known risks of the drug. If a manufacturer fails in this duty to inform, it can be held liable to the patients harmed by the drug. Contact us using the forms on this site and an attorney at Rasansky Law Firm will evaluate your potential case, and try and determine whether or not an Actos lawsuit should be considered. Contact us today for your free consultation.
