Are Americans in Danger?

Actos has been pulled from the shelves in France and Germany after the popular diabetes drug was linked to bladder cancer.

The prescription drug is typically used in the U.S. along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in treating type 2 diabetics.

It was suspended because of concerns saying it gave patients an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.

CBS News reported the French Medicines Agency pulled Actos in addition to the pill Competact – a drug that combines Actos and the popular diabetes drug metformin – after a government-funded study found the drugs increased bladder cancer risk.

The French agency told doctors to stop prescribing the medicine to patients. German health officials saw the French report and followed suit.

Actos was one of the top ten drugs sold in the U.S. in 2008, with sales exceeding $2.4 billion.

It is currently under an observational study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designed to assess the danger of developing bladder cancer associated with use of this drug.

Takeda”s vice president of medical and scientific affairs, Robert Spanheimer, told Reuters Health that the company hasn”t had time to review the French study.  He claimed two ongoing U.S. trials have yet to show bladder cancer risk.

Actos, or pioglitazone, makes the body more sensitive to insulin, in order to control blood sugar levels. It is prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association has more on Type 2 Diabetes.

The pharmaceutical industry has developed many life saving medications.

However, in a race to get their drugs and/or devices to market, many pharmaceutical companies ignore or do not anticipate the crippling side effects of medications or medical devices that later lead to injury and even death.

If you or a loved one have been , over the counter medication, herbal supplement, vitamin, or defective medical device you need an experienced pharmaceutical liability law firm willing to stand up for your rights and seek justice on your behalf.

The at The Strom Law Firm, LLC are at the forefront of the fight to protect the public and will stand up for your rights against the big drug and insurance companies and fight to ensure that you and your loved ones receive the justice you deserve.