Recent Study Links Actos to Bladder Cancer

Sept. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Irvine, CA, September 19, 2012- A popular class of type 2 diabetes medication increases patients’ risk of bladder cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that patients taking thiazolidinedione (TZDs) drugs such as Actos (Pioglitazone) are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who took a sulfonylurea drug.  Unfortunately, this popular class of diabetes medication accounts for 20% of the diabetes medication prescribed today.

Diabetes patients are already at an increased risk for bladder cancer; an estimated 40 of 100,000 diabetes sufferers develop this kind of cancer in comparison to 30 of 100,000 people in the general population. These margins grow significantly when patients take TZD’s.  Patients taking Actos or Avandia for five or more years had double to triple an increased risk of developing bladder cancer in comparison to patients taking sulfonylurea drugs.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are an estimated 70,530 cases of bladder cancer in the U.S. each year and 14,680 deaths.  According to this study, we can expect these numbers to grow to include even more diabetes sufferers.  Actos is the ninth most prescribed drug in the nation and an estimated 15 million prescriptions are written for this popular type 2 diabetes medication on a yearly basis.

The FDA has already issued a warning that Actos has severe health risks associated with its use.  In response, both France and Germany has taken the dangerous drug off the market.  America has yet to take Actos off the market as patients continue to suffer.  
Although our government has failed to act to adequately protect you, you do not need to suffer for taking your medication as prescribed.  If you or a loved one has developed bladder cancer after taking Actos, you may be entitled to compensation.  Please call our firm for a free and confidential consultation.  

Extensive product liability experience gives Andrew L. Wright the expertise necessary to handle your defective prescription drug case.  With over 20 years of experience as a trial lawyer, Andrew L. Wright is used to staring down the prescription drug makers and achieving results for his clients.

Wright & McGurk Law has over 30 years of experience fighting zealously on behalf of injured people and family members who have lost a loved one due to negligence.  We are experts at fighting to achieve the fairness and justice our clients deserve.  The lawyers at Wright & McGurk Law will not treat you like just another client.  We are passionate about our role as your advocate and will treat you with the respect and compassion that you deserve. At Wright &McGurk, we understand that you may be in pain and we want to help get you the compensation you deserve.  Cases are accepted nationwide; call us today for a free confidential consultation at (800) 471-0346. http://wrightmcgurk.com/