As the FDA continues to evaluate
the risks of taking the drug Actos, it's important for diabetes patients
who have taken it to report any bladder problems to their physician.
The FDA still allows doctors to prescribe Actos to patients if they have
never had or do not currently have bladder cancer. However, France has
stopped using the drug - called poiglitazone - based on a study that
suggests an increased risk of bladder cancer. Germany has recommended
not giving it to new patients.
FDA officials say they will evaluate the study that led to France's
decision and update the public when they have made their conclusions.
That
leaves many patients on their own to watch out for their health. If you
have bladder cancer and have taken Actos and wish to discuss your legal
rights, please contact attorney Michael
Phelan.
The symptoms of bladder cancer are very similar to having an
infection in the bladder. But if you have taken Actos, especially if it
was for longer than one year, please consult a physician.
According to the National Cancer Institute, these are the symptoms of bladder cancer:
- Blood in the urine. It may appear red or a rusty color.
- Feeling an urgency to empty your bladder.
- Needing to empty your bladder more often than normally.
- Feeling the urge to urinate but without results.
- Needing to bear down in order to empty your bladder.
- Having pain when you urinate.
Each year in the U.S., more than 52,000 men and 18,000 women are diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Sources: Food and Drug Administration; National Cancer Institute
Mr. Phelan is the former chair of the products liability section of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. We represent business litigation cases throughout the country and the Commonwealth of Virginia, including, Richmond, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Newport News, Fredericksburg, Henrico, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Louisa, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Stafford, Williamsburg, New Kent, Charles City, Hanover, and Goochland.