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Actos, is a Type-2 Diabetes drug that has lately come under fire for higher risks of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or other cardiovascular issues. Domestically, there have been reports, most notably by the L.A. Times, into the side effects of Actos. However, the FDA has not actually issued a recall at this point, only a study. Today news comes that both France and Germany have halted the use of Actos.
Why Did Germany And France Halt The Use Of Actos?
Germany and France have halted the use of Actos following a French study that seemed to indicate an increased risk of bladder cancer with the use of Actos. The study of 155,000 patients taking Actos or pioglitzone between 2006 and 2009 found a 22% increase in bladder cancer in those taking Actos or pioglitzone. Additionally, the study looked at the dosage of patients and the risk of bladder cancer and found that there was roughly a 50% increase in bladder cancer in those with higher dosages of Actos or pioglitzone than those with a lower dose.
The study was just completed in June 2011. Upon publishing the report France’s regulatory agency and Germany’s regulatory agency suspended Actos. However, the European Medicines Agency has not recalled the product quite yet.
Is A Potential Lawsuit Against Actos Worth A Lot Of Money?
Actos is one of the most popular prescribed insulin sensitizer. While there was a recall of Actos in 2007 for improper warning labels, the FDA has continued to examine the findings of a 10 year study of those who take Actos. Assuming that Avandia and Actos have similar consequences for patients (which may not be true) and Avandia sufferers have already received over $500million, then those who are victims of Actos may receive more compensation. The Guardian Newspaperpredicts that Actos lawsuits could lead to payments between $1 Billion and $5 Billion on 13,000 lawsuits. This would average out to $76,000 per person to $384,000 per person (though these are just averages and do not include attorneys fees or other associated costs).
