Over the past few years concerns about the safety of the blockbuster type-2 diabetes medication, Actos (pioglitazone), have been swirling. controversy has become even more concerning and will likely continue to grow in the coming months.

The FDA has recently required the makers of Actos to update the label of the medication to warn patients and healthcare providers about a potential increased risk of bladder cancer that has been linked to the medication.

Actos Linked to Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer

The updated warning advises physicians to avoid prescribing Actos to patients with active bladder cancer and recommends that caution be exercised when prescribing the drug to persons with a history of bladder cancer.

Patients taking Actos should also be aware of the potential risk and immediately contact their physciain if they notice blood or red color in their urine. Other potential early warning signs of bladder cancer include:

• Urgent need to urinate
• Pain while urinating
• Pain in the lower back or abdomen

Actos vs. Avandia: New Study Says Heart Risks are Equal

Over the past few years, sales of Avandia (rosiglitazone) have dropped, while sales of Actos (pioglitazone) have soared due to the consensus that Actos was be a safer alternative to Avandia; however, recent study findings paint a very different picture. An article recently published in the American Heart Association journal, “Circulation,” suggests that heart attack, heart failure, death risks for Actos and Avandia are equal at 4%.

The 33-month study looked at over 36,000 patients averaging 54 years of age and 14 months of diabetes treatment with Actos or Avandia. The subjects were divided into equal groups based on the medication they were being treated with.

Of those taking Avandia 602 had a heart attack, heart failure or died, compared to 599 of those who took  Actos. Those being treated with Actos suffered a higher rate of heart attack, at 121, versus 96 of those taking Avandia. In each group 217 died.

This study differs from other previous studies by looking at including out-of-hospital deaths in the death record analysis and following younger patients for a longer period of time, as well.

After analyzing all of the data researchers found no significant differences between heart risks associated with use of Avandia and Actos.

"In this retrospective cohort study directly comparing rosiglitazone and pioglitazone with a propensity score–matched population that includes mortality data, no significant differences were found in the risk of AMI, AHF or death."

Actos Lawsuits

The experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Reich & Binstock are currently are investigating claims related to bladder cancer and cardiovascular risks associated with Actos and Avandia. Our Actos Attorneys are offering free case evaluations to anyone who may have been harmed by Actos or Avandia.

For a free consultation with one of our Actos lawyers please contact us today by completing the simple contact form on this page or toll-free by telephone at 1-866-LAW(529)-2400.