Call Today for a FREE Confidential Case Review
Toll-Free 24/7 (866) 920-0753

Actos Linked to 40% Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

Actos Linked to 40% Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

July 22, 2015 — The diabetes drug Actos has been linked to a 41% increased risk of pancreatic cancer, but no increased risk of bladder cancer, in a 10-year study ordered by the FDA.

Conclusions were based on data compiled since 1997 on about 236,000 adults over the age of 40 who used Actos to treat diabetes. Results were published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on July 21.

Actos users were 41% more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 13% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. There was no statistically significant increased rate of bladder cancer.

Even so, researchers said it was too early to conclude that Actos causes cancer:

“There was no statistically significant increased risk of bladder cancer associated with pioglitazone use. … The increased prostate and pancreatic cancer risks associated with ever use of pioglitazone merit further investigation.”

According to WebMD, diabetic patients often suffer from chronic inflammation in the pancreas, which increases their long-term risk of pancreatitis.

In 2011, the FDA issued a Safety Communication after the 5-year results of the study found a 40% increased risk of bladder cancer. Over 5,000 lawsuits were eventually filed and Takeda was accused of intentionally concealing risk information to boost profits. Last year, Takeda was hit with a record-setting $9 billion jury verdict in Louisiana. In April 2015, Takeda offered a $2.4 billion settlement for the “vast majority” of lawsuits, or nearly $300,000 per case.

Do I have an Actos Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Actos induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Free Case Evaluation


The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.

No matter what type of case you have, you may contact us with confidence by filling out the email contact form below or calling us directly by dialing toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 920-0753.