Actos

Actos (Pioglitazone) is in a class of medications called thiazolidinediones. By increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, Actos (Pioglitazone) helps control blood sugar levels. Actos (Pioglitazone) is used to treat type 2 diabetes, along with a exercise and diet. This medication can change blood sugar levels. Symptoms of low and high blood sugar require immediate treatment. Pioglitazone is also contained within Actoplus Met and Duetact.

Studies have shown patient using Actos for extended periods have a higher occurrence of  bladder cancer, than those without.

Actos Side Effects

Actos (Pioglitazone) has numerous report side effects that can be painful, but not life treating.

• headache
• muscle pain
• pain in the arms or legs
• sore throat
• gas

Other side effects are serious and even deadly. If any of the following symptoms present call your doctor immediately:

• changes in vision
• vision loss
• frequent, painful, or difficult urination
• cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• back or abdominal pain

Actos has been known to cause liver problems. If you have nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising, or lack of energy- call your doctor immediately. These are signs of liver damage.

Actos Lawyer

ACTOS, also known generically as pioglitazone, is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. The FDA approved its use for Type II Diabetes, in July 1999. France and Germany have recalled the dangerous drug due to the high occurance of bladder cancer. The FDA has recognized in June 2011 the occurrence of bladder cancer, but has yet only issued a warning. It is Takeda Pharmaceutical’s best selling drug, especially since problems have arisen with its competitor drug, Avandia. The medications containing Actos include those marketed as Actos (which is pioglitazone hydrochloride), Actoplus Met (which is Actos in combination with metformin), Actoplus Met XR (which is Actos in combination with metformin – extended release), and Duetact (which is Actos in combination with glimepiride.)

After seeking medical attention, contact a personal injury attorney at the Clore Law Group. Regardless of warnings on products, there are still instances where the drug company and or prescribing doctor can be held liable for injuries or death resulting from drugs, including Actos.