The Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation has recently consolidated all federal Actos cases before the Honorable Judge Rebecca Doherty*. More than 100 federal lawsuits where plaintiffs allege developing bladder cancer as a result of taking Actos will be transferred to the Western District of Louisiana.
?Consolidating the Actos cases will provide a streamlined process for individuals who have been harmed by this popular diabetes drug,? said attorney Trent Miracle, head of the Simmons Firm Pharmaceutical Department.
As more people learn about the increased risk of bladder cancer associated with Actos, Miracle said he expects additional lawsuits to be filed.
Actos and other forms of drugs containing pioglitazone are used to improve control of blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Between Jan. 2012 and Oct. 2010, about 2.3 million patients filled a prescription for a pioglitazone-containing drug.
Patients who take Actos for over a year have a 40 percent increased risk of bladder cancer compared to patients who never took the drug, according to an FDA interim review of an ongoing study. The 5-year study includes data on over 193,000 diabetic patients who were treated with pioglitazone for an average of two years.
As a result, the FDA ordered the drug?s manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., to update Actos symptoms on the drug?s label earlier this fall.
According to Miracle, patients should contact their physician immediately if they experience any sign of blood in the urine or a red color in the urine or other symptoms such as new or worsening urinary urgency or pain on urination since starting Actos.
?The FDA?s requirement to update labeling on these dangerous drugs will help consumers make informed decisions about Actos moving forward, but it is not enough for patients who have already been taking Actos for more than a year,? Miracle said.
About Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC
The Actos attorneys at the Simmons Firm are currently investigating claims against the manufacturer of the popular diabetes drug. A leading law firm in pharmaceutical litigation, the Simmons Firm has experience in litigating complex medical matters and has taken a leadership role in standing up for individuals who have been injured by dangerous or defective drugs. The firm has represented thousands of pharmaceutical clients and recovered more than $ 230 million in verdicts and settlements in cases involving Oxycontin, Vioxx and more. Learn more at http://www.simmonspharmalaw.com.
*Court of Reference: Actos (Pioglitazone) Products Liability Litigation (MDL #2299)
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