Dangers Associated with Actos

Actos is commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin and help control blood sugar levels. It is generally used with a diet and exercise program and sometimes with other medications. But even when taken properly, serious side effects are sometimes associated with Actos, including:

• Difficulty breathing, or feeling short of breath after only mild exertion
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Stomach pain and blood in urine
• Painful urination
• Swelling or rapid weight gain
• Chest pain accompanied by a generally ill feeling
• Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice
• Blurred vision
• Increased thirst or hunger, and urinating more than usual
• Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, and weakness

In addition to these potentially dangerous side effects, in the last few years studies have linked Actos to bladder tumors, resulting in recalls and suspended sales in some countries. In the United States, the FDA announced in June 2011 that Actos use for more than one year may be associated with increased risk of bladder cancer. This warning is based on the interim results of a 10-year American study that found long-term Actos users had 40-percent more bladder cancers than people who never took the drug.

In addition to bladder cancer, other studies have linked Actos to an increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, congestive heart failure, kidney damage, liver damage, and bone fractures in women. The side effects listed above may indicate the onset of one of these conditions or diseases. To maintain an action based on the dangerous nature of Actos, however, you must show that your condition or disease was brought on by the drug. An experienced personal injury and products liability attorney can help determine if you have a claim.

Legal Claims for Actos Injuries

The Atlanta law firm of Henry Spiegel Milling LLP has handled many lawsuits involving injuries and damages caused by pharmaceutical drugs. As attorneys who focus exclusively in the areas of personal injury and products liability law, we are uniquely qualified to handle complex claims against drug companies and health care providers who put a massive amount of resources toward fighting the claims of injury victims.

If you or someone you love has taken Actos and now suffers from bladder cancer, heart disease, or another health serious medical problem, please contact our firm today at (866) 959-3877 for a free consultation to discuss your potential claims. If we handle your claim, you pay no legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case via settlement or verdict.