Pioglitazone

The Gallagher Law Firm is litigating cases against Takeda Pharmaceuticals for neglecting to include imperative information on the dangers of pioglitazone and its relation to heart disease and bladder cancer. If you feel you have been harmed by taking Actos, call us at (888) 222-7052 or contact us online.

What is Pioglitazone?

Pioglitazone thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride is the active ingredient in Actos, ActoPlus Met, ActoPlus Met RX and Duetact. It is part of the thiazolidinedione family which increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin helping patients suffering from type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.

Pioglitazone and the Body

Pioglitazone, developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and marketed as Actos, has many beneficial qualities pertaining to patients with type 2 diabetes. Doctors prescribe Actos to accompany a diet and exercise plan to help these patients maintain the amount of glucose in their blood.  Their cells become more receptive to insulin while also causing the liver to cease production of sugar when the body doesn’t require any more. Actos plays well with other medications, such as Metformin, and taken daily, diabetics can effectively manage their blood sugar while also possibly improving on the amount of good cholesterol in the body.

Side effects of pioglitazone can range from mild to very serious. If you experience any of the following, please contact your doctor immediately:

  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Sore Throat
  • Muscle Pain
  • Pain in Arms and/or Legs
  • Back or Abdominal Pain
  • Changes in Vision
  • Vision Loss
  • Frequent, Painful, or Difficult Urination
  • Cloudy, Discolored, or Bloody Urine

Hazards Using Pioglitazone

The FDA has stated that thiazolidinediones can cause varying amounts of fluid retention based on the size of the dosage. Fluid retention may cause congestive heart failure and prolonged exposure to pioglitazone (longer than 12 months) is shown to increase risk of or exacerbate bladder cancer. The FDA also found that edema was reported more frequently in those taking a pioglitazone than those on placebos. A higher percentage was found for women experiencing bone fractures while taking Actos versus those ingesting placebos.

In June 2011, the FDA released an announcement warning those taking any drug using pioglitazone for longer than a twelve month period may be at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The rate of risk found in patients taking actos was 40% higher than those who were given placebos.  You can learn more about Actos bladder cancer here.

Be sure to inform your doctor if you are at risk of or have experienced the above mentioned side effects or hazards before deciding to continue or begin a pioglitazone treatment.

Many victims of Actos misinformation have filed an Actos lawsuit against Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Call the Gallagher Law Firm at (888) 222-7052 or contact them online for a free consultation with an Actos Lawyer to discuss your concerns or learn about options.