Does Diabetes Drug Actos Cause Bladder Cancer?

Diabetes drug Actos is supposed to help patients manage high blood sugar, but could it also cause bladder cancer? The rising number of Actos lawsuits say "yes."

Manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceutical was forced to pull the drug from the French market in June 2011, reports Reuters. Responding to growing concerns about the drug, regulators conducted a study and found a slight increase in the risk of bladder cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration has not yet issued its own recall, but it did release a safety announcement soon after it learned about the French study. However, Takeda and its parent company, Eli Lilly, continue to refute the evidence.

Actos users who have developed bladder cancer are fighting back. Three Illinois couples have filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer and its parent company, accusing them of concealing information. They believe Takeda and Eli Lilly knew of the increased risk of bladder cancer, but did not disclose the information to the FDA and public.

Drug companies have a legal duty to disclose side effect data to the FDA during the approval process. They must also warn consumers about potential harms.

Actos lawsuits are popping up over the country. About 100 of these suits have already been consolidated in a federal court in Louisiana. The number is expected to go.

If you or a loved one is a current or former Actos user, consider talking to an attorney about joining a current action or filing an Actos lawsuit of your own. Bladder cancer is serious, and if Takeda and Eli Lilly did hide evidence, you may receive compensation for your injuries.

Related Resources:

• Pharmaceutical Drug Liability (FindLaw)
• Type 2 Diabetes Drug Actos May Cause Bladder Cancer (FindLaw)