Actos recall in EU due to link between Actos and bladder cancer

France and Germany pull Actos

Actos continues to be prescribed in the United States, but in two countries of Europe there now
exists a complete ban on the drug due to concerns over its safety.
 
France and Germany recently imposed the ban in response to a study by the French Public Health
Insurance Office, published in June, 2011, which found that patients taking Actos 24 months or
longer face an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
Elsewhere in Europe, health officials recommend that warning labels be added to Actos
packaging.

Actos recall not yet issued; FDA warns of Actos bladder cancer risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken a similar stance with regard to Actos here
amid growing reports of patient injuries, moving to implement new labeling requirements.
 
Actos -- developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals aims to reduce insulin resistance, a problem
common among patients with Type II diabetes. The medication belongs to the thiazolidinediones
class of drugs and can be prescribed in three strengths. Patients take it orally in pill form, usually
once a day (with or without food).
 
The precise mechanism through which Actos can cause bladder cancer remains unknown. Less
severe side-effects include headache, sinus infection, toothache, muscle pain, sore throat, water
retention, fatigue, stomach pain, jaundiced eyes, and loss of appetite.
 
Visit the FDA's website for more information about Actos risks. Contact an Actos lawyer for
more information about your legal rights and options if you were injured by taking Actos.