Actos

Actos is a brand name for the drug Pioglitazone, which is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to treat Type II diabetes. Unfortunately, while Actos was prescribed to countless patients as a treatment method to help control their blood sugar and diabetes, the medication had dangerous side effects of which patients were unaware.

Because patients have the right to be warned of any potential side effects and the right not to experience unexpected illnesses or injuries when using drugs as directed, the unexpected dangers of Actos have lead to many lawsuits in which people injured or made ill by the drug are seeking compensation. If you have taken Actos and are suffering from bladder cancer, congestive heart failure or other side effects linked to the diabetes medication, contact the Massachusetts personal injury lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today at (617) 777-7777 or using our online form.

In Massachusetts and throughout the rest of the United States, companies are expected to make safe products and to warn potential customers of any dangers associated with those products. Drug companies are held to this same standard and they need to make any side effects or risks of taking their medication clear.

If a company fails to warn customers of a potential risk associated with a drug, or if a drug causes unexpected harm, the drug company can be held responsible for any injuries or medical problems that directly result from the bad drug. This is true even if the drug company wasn't negligent in testing, producing or releasing the drug.

Actos is a classic example of a bad drug that the manufacturers should be held liable for. Although the drug has long been prescribed for Type II diabetes patients, a host of unexpected and grave side effects have come to light and patients are suffering serious losses as a result of these side effects. For instance:

• The FDA has released a statement warning of a link between Actos and bladder cancer. Support for the statement is based on, among other evidence, the interim results of an ongoing 10-year study as well as a French study.
• An LA Times article reporting on recent studies in 2010 indicated that Actos may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and other heart problems.
• Actos may cause an increased risk of arm, hand and foot fractures among women according to MedPage Today's 2007 report about the FDA issuing a warning to physicians.

In addition to these side effects, links between Actos and other conditions including liver, kidney and prostate cancer are also being investigated.

Patients who took Actos and who are experiencing one or more of the side effects associated with the drug may make a claim against the manufacturer or drug company in order to recover compensation for all medical costs associated with their injury. Damages from the drug company may also include compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and wrongful death if the bladder cancer or other side effects caused the person taking Actos to pass away.

Proving the link between the drug and the medical condition is usually the most difficult part of a defective drug case; however, the numerous studies and FDA warnings as well as the number of patients experiencing problems should help make it easier for Actos patients to recover compensation. Those who took Actos may take legal action either by filing their own suit or by joining a class action lawsuit. An experienced Massachusetts personal injury lawyer can provide information on what the best course of action is given the circumstances.

To learn more about how a Boston personal injury lawyer can help you if you are suffering from Actos side effects, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today at (617) 777-7777 or using our online form. Remember your consultation is always free and we are here to put our legal skills to work for you.