The prescription medication Actos, known generically as Pioglitazone, has been a popular oral drug used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes for the past several years, and in 2008 it netted profits of approximately $2.4 billion for its parent company Takeda. While Actos has mostly been used in cooperation with insulin and other diabetes drug treatments, it has been used in experimental procedures to quell the progression of prediabetes, as well as other unintended treatments.

It is currently one of the best-selling prescription medications in the United States.

Actos Side Effects

The history of safety concerns with the use Actos – and related drugs like Glustin, Glizone, and Pioz – is well-documented. In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that drugs featuring Pioglitazone were more likely to lead to myocardial complications, including severe blood clotting, heart attacks, and heart failure. However, it was also determined that the likelihood of developing such heart problems was no greater with Actos than other Type 2 diabetes medications.

Actos and Bladder Cancer

In June 2012, though, a greater risk emerged. First noted by the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products, Pioglitazone-based drugs like Actos were linked to a high probability of bladder cancer. The FDA concurred with the French and German reports, and within days doctors across the globe were warned that by prescribing Actos to patients, they were exposing them to serious health issues.

A 5-year study conducted by Takeda Pharmaceuticals concluded that patients who had been using Actos for at least one year had a greater risk of developing bladder cancer than people who had either just started using the drug or had never used it at all. Despite this information, Actos is still actively prescribed in the U.S., but not to patients who currently have bladder cancer or a family history of the disease.

Side Effects of Actos

There are a variety of common side effects associated with Actos use, including:

• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden increased weight
• Dehydration
• Chest pain

However, the more serious warning signs include:

• Fluid retention
• Peripheral edema (swelling of tissues and limbs)
• Congestive heart failure

As with all prescription medications, there are a variety of other side effects that can range from basic and harmless to severe and life-threatening. Side effects vary from patient to patient and depend on multiple factors, include current health, family history, and lifestyle. If you are experiencing any side effects from the use of Actos or similar Pioglitazone drugs, you should consult with your physician immediately.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

If you have a history of bladder cancer or if you have family members who have a history of the disease, you should not use Actos. Your physician should be aware of this information before you are prescribed any medication. However, if you are currently taking Actos, the following are symptoms of bladder cancer:

• Painful sensations during urination
• Intense back pain
• Frequent urination
• Lack of urine despite increased urge
• Bloody urine
• Pink or orange urine

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should consult with a physician immediately.

Legal Action

If you or a loved one has been prescribed and used Actos to treat Type 2 diabetes and you have experienced severe side effects and symptoms of bladder cancer, you should contact a physician immediately, but you should also contact a qualified attorney with a history of prescription medication litigation. You are eligible for just compensation for your medical expenses and changes in your cost of living, as well as lost wages.