Actos News

California - Actos Bladder Cancer Information
Thursday, March 29, 2012

California residents should be made aware that Takeda Pharmaceutical’s popular diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) has been the center of controversy since scientific data connected Actos use with a higher risk of bladder cancer.

An Actos study published in June 2011 showed that prolonged use as well as higher doses of pioglitazone led to significant increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The news of this Actos side effect prompted France and Germany to suspend prescriptions of the drug and caused the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to release a public health advisory regarding the risk. According to the FDA, use of Actos for longer than 12 months increased the risk of developing bladder cancer by 40 percent.

The FDA has not yet pulled Actos from US shelves and it continues to review ongoing study data. The agency has warned, however, that diabetes patients who have taken Actos medication for longer than 12 months or those who take cumulative doses be aware of the symptoms associated with bladder cancer. The agency also warned Actos users to see their doctor immediately if they experience any bladder cancer symptoms.

If you live in California, have taken or are taking Actos and are concerned about the potential bladder cancer risk, you should see your health care professional right away. Being diagnosed with bladder cancer can be an overwhelming experience for you and your loved ones.

California boasts some of the country’s most advanced state of the art research facilities and bladder cancer treatment centers designed to see you through this difficult time.

The following is a list of the top bladder cancer treatment and research centers in California:

• UCLA Department of Cancer Services. Locations in Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Westlake Village and Westwood.
• Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University.
• Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles.
• The Burnham Institute, formerly the La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation. Locations in La Jolla and Santa Barbara.
• Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles.
• University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento.
• University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco.
• University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles.

If you have taken or are currently taking Actos and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer you may be entitled to compensation. It is imperative that you seek experienced legal counsel when filing a potential Actos bladder cancer claim.

The Actos lawyers at Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman are here to guide you and your family through this difficult time. Our firm has been in the forefront of pharmaceutical litigation for the past 25 years, litigating product liability cases against the world’s top pharmaceutical companies. Based in Los Angeles, Baum Hedlund has the experience and reputation necessary to go above and beyond what is needed to get the job done. We have represented thousands of people across the nation who have been harmed by prescription medications and we are currently representing diabetes patients who have bladder cancer after taking Actos.

Please contact us toll-free at 800-827-0087 for more information on your potential Actos side effect claim.