The Gallagher Law Firm is currently prosecuting cases involving harm that may have been caused by the diabetes drug Actos.  If you think you have been harmed by Actos and need an Actos Attorney, call The Gallagher Law Firm at (713) 238-7705 or contact us online for a free consultation.

The drug ACTOS (Generic name: pioglitazone hydrochloride) is an anti-diabetic drug in the class of thiazolidinedione (TZDs) with hypoglycemic action. It is used for the treatment of people with Type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels. With type 2 diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin to properly use the sugar in the blood. In addition, the patient could be or may become insulin resistant, where the cells in their body lose their sensitivity to insulin. Actos can be taken alone or with other diabetes medications (like insulin) when blood sugar is not under control. Learn more about Actos here.

How Actos Works

Actos works by making the cells in your body more sensitive to insulin. When insulin sensitivity is increased, the sugar in your blood can pass through to your body more easily, instead of remaining in your blood and building up to dangerous levels.

Possible Side Effects and Potential Dangers

Common side effects associated with use of this drug are gradual weight gain, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and other cold or upper respiratory infection symptoms, headache, muscle pain, and mouth or tooth pain. In clinical studies more women who took this medication were prone to fractures of the hands, arms, feet, ankles and lower legs. The FDA has issued a warning on Actos and other drugs containing Thiazolidinedione for causing or exacerbating cardiac failure in some patients. Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention, increasing the likelihood and possibly precipitating congestive heart failure.

There is also an increased risk in bladder cancer with prolonged use of this medication. Those who have bladder cancer and took Actos may be a part of the Actos bladder cancer lawsuit.

History of Actos

This medication was introduced into the market in the late 1990’s by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It quickly became Takeda’s top-selling product, and by 2008, it was the 10th best selling drug in the United States.  However, in 2007, the first class-action lawsuits were made against this pharmaceutical company due to the potential risk increase for congestive heart failure or other cardiac events. If you wish to be included in the Actos lawsuit currently in the middle of many drug trials, the exact risk factor is still being determined.

If you think you have Actos bladder cancer or have been harmed by Actos, call The Gallagher Law Firm at (713) 238-7705 or contact us online for a free consultation.