Almost 26 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes, while an additional 79 million are classified at serious risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This translates into more deaths caused by the disease than AIDS and breast cancer combined; an individual in America gets diagnosed once each 17 seconds, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The association claims as many as one out of every three Americans could develop diabetes in 2050 unless preventative action is taken.
November is American Diabetes Month which marks a time for increased awareness on the disease, its causes, and prevention. It also serves as a reminder for a related medical problem involving those suffering from the illness. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), individuals using the diabetes drug Actos (named pioglitazone) may be at an increased danger for developing bladder cancer, especially when using large doses on an ongoing basis (for a year or greater). The FDA also instructed against use of the drug by any patients suffering from bladder cancer, or those with a history of the disease. The agency initially warned the public about the dangers in June, and updated the drug’s public safety information and labeling.
Actos is prescribed to adults with Type II Diabetes to aid in controlling blood sugar levels. The FDA estimated that during the previous ten months, approximately 2.3 million people had prescriptions to Actos or other drugs with pioglitazone. As a result, an increasing number of Americans have joined in a class action lawsuit with the drug’s maker this fall, alleging the company failed to properly research and report safety problems to the public. If you believe you’ve been injured in Chattanooga by Actos, or any other drug containing pioglitazone, contact the Chattanooga Actos injury attorneys with Massey & Associates, P.C. Call (423) 697-4529 for a complimentary and confidential case review.
