Takeda Pharmaceuticals has been hit with thousands of lawsuits claiming Actos causes cancer, and now a massive 10-year study has found evidence of a 13% increased risk of prostate cancer.
What You Can Do & How an Actos Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Actos induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with prostate 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 us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Study Links Actos and 13% Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer
Takeda Pharmaceuticals has completed a 10-year observational study of its diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone), as ordered by the FDA. Results of the study were published in July 2015 by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
After looking at data on nearly 240,000 adults in Northern California, researchers concluded that Actos users were 41% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and men were 13% more likely to develop prostate cancer.
The 5-year results from the same study also linked Actos with a 40% increased risk of bladder cancer after one year, which prompted a Safety Warning from the FDA. Over 5,000 lawsuits were eventually filed.
What is the problem?
After the study was published, the FDA did not immediately issue any warnings or update the label on Actos. However, our lawyers are investigating potential lawsuits because we believe an association between Actos and prostate cancer may exist. We also believe more studies are needed to fully investigate this side effect.
Diabetes and Prostate Cancer
Evidence linking Actos and prostate cancer is concerning because other recent studies have actually found lower rates of prostate cancer among men with type-2 diabetes. One of these studies was published in 2013 and based on a meta-analysis of 45 studies involving 8.1 million men.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs when cells start growing uncontrollably in the prostate, which is a small reproductive gland located under the bladder.
Over time, the prostate naturally enlarges in over 80% of aging men. Very few cases are actually prostate cancer. Fortunately, the cancer is usually slow-growing and diagnosed before it spreads beyond the prostate.
Prostate Cancer Signs & Symptoms
- Problems urinating (slow or weak urination, frequent urination at night)
- Blood in urine
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest, or other areas
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder control
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 was diagnosed with prostate 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 us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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