Use of Diabetes Drug Actos May Increase Bladder Cancer Risk

On June 15, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced to the public that use of the Takeda-manufactured type 2 diabetes drug Actos, also known as pioglitazone for over a year may increase bladder cancer risk.

 From January 2010 through October 2010, about 2.3 million patients, including individuals in Virginia and North Carolina, filled a pioglitazone-containing product prescription from outpatient retail pharmacies.

The FDA studied data from a 5-year study that showed an increased risk of bladder cancer among patients with long-term exposure to pioglitazone. An epidemiological study conducted in France also suggested increased bladder cancer risk with pioglitazone. France has suspended the use of this dangerous drug.

The FDA suggested that health care professionals:

• Not use pioglitazone with patients who have active bladder cancer.
• Cautiously use pioglitazone with patients who have a prior history of bladder cancer.
• Weigh the advantages of blood sugar control with pioglitazone against the unknown risks for bladder cancer. 

Contact Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton if you or a loved one suffers injuries from Actos.

LC