In 2013, a team of researchers led by MT Bazelier published a paper titled “Use of thiazolidinediones and risk of bladder cancer: disease or drugs?”, where it is stated “Pioglitazone, a drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been associated with bladder cancer in observational studies” but that “Diabetes mellitus itself has also been linked with bladder cancer.” So, the aim of this study was “to estimate the risk of bladder cancer for diabetic patients using thialozidinediones (TZDs) compared with patients in other treatment stages of the disease.”
Studying 179,056 antidiabetic drug users compared with three-times as many controls, essentially, what the team found was that “Compared with non-diabetic controls, patients using antidiabetic medication experienced a 1.3-fold increased risk of bladder cancer”. That is, antidiabetic drug use raised the risk for bladder cancer by about 30%. Insulin therapy caused a 40% increase in risk for bladder cancer, while Avandia use only raised the risk by 20%. The risk for bladder cancer with the use of thiazolidinediones (a class of drugs including Actos) raised the risk for bladder cancer by 30%.
Concluding that “The association between TZD use and bladder cancer is probably confounded by the underlying disease”, we see that this team did not decisively determine that it was drugs or disease that caused the increased risk for bladder cancer in this cohort. It is important to note, however, that many other contemporary studies have in fact concluded that Actos specifically and dramatically raises the risk for bladder cancer among diabetic patients.
As a result of this, coupled with a failure to warn by the manufacturer of Actos, a number of Actos bladder cancer lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used Actos and suffered bladder cancer, you too may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your undue injury.
For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Actos bladder cancer lawyers at the information provided below. We have the compassion, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5529