Just How Dangerous Is the Diabetic Drug Actos?

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company who makes the diabetes drug Actos could face up to around 10,000 lawsuits in US courts because of its serious side effects. A Riverside personal injury lawyer who is familiar with the case explains that when it first appeared on the market back in 1999 it was hailed as a breakthrough in the control of type 2 diabetes. Used in conjunction with insulin it helps to reduce insulin resistance in the body and dramatically reduces the harmful build-up of glucose.

It soon became apparent however that anybody who used the drug for a prolonged period of time (usually more than 1 year) may have an increased risk of bladder cancer as well as a risk of heart disease after a glut of Actos users had developed either bladder cancer or heart disease. Back in 2002 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had concerns about the drug and its links with Rhabdomyolysis, which is a deterioration of the muscle fibres which can lead to heart and kidney failure. However they couldn't establish for certain as to whether there was a definite link between the two, so it was decreed that the drug could be 'associated' with the risk of developing Rhabdomyolysis. If you believe that you have developed heart failure due to taking Actos, then you really should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney Riverside who is well versed with the case.

The FDA however were concerned enough to place a warning label on the packaging stating that "a small number of patients with already existing cardiovascular problems may have developed heart failure when insulin is used in combination with Actos" When the FDA investigated further in 2004, more warnings were placed on the packaging to include, Impairment of Fertility, Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis and in June of 2011, bladder cancer was added.

This news became so concerning that two countries, namely Germany and France, suspended the sale of the drug as around 230,000 individuals were believed to be taking it. In August of 2011 the first lawsuits were starting to be filed against the company. America still continues to sell the drug and as of yet it has not been withdrawn from sale.

For many US people who suffer from type 2 diabetes, they argue that the benefits that Actos has on them far outweighs the risks and they will continue to take it. However like their German and French counterparts, US citizens are finding that they are being diagnosed with heart failure or bladder cancer after taking the drug and are also starting to get together lawsuits. If you feel that you are a victim of Actos then with the help of a Riverside County personal injury attorney you may be able to start a class action lawsuit. At present there are over 100 cases that have been evaluated against Takeda Pharmaceuticals and there are many more pending, but they are all alleging one thing, that is that the Asian Pharmaceutical giant knew about, and were aware of, the risks to patients. This is a claim that the company vehemently deny.

By calling upon the services of an experienced team of Riverside personal injury lawyers means that you will feel safe in the knowledge that they will do everything within their power to affect a positive outcome and deliver you the full and fair compensation that you deserve. They will also operate on a contingency basis which means that if the team don't win the case, then they don't get paid, which means that the client is never out of pocket. If they are successful then their fee will come out of the compensation package awarded. All of this means that you can concentrate on doing what you can to make your life more comfortable whist the lawyer gets on with the task of fighting your corner.

The news about Actos is only just recently starting to filter though, but you can be sure that as the first lawsuits get under way, there will be plenty more, ready to take their place. This is gearing up to be a long drawn out and incredibly costly time for the drug giant and as things stand, the FDA might just have to step in and take action, by withdrawing it from the market, so let's watch this space.