The Drug
Actos is a type of prescription medication commonly given to sufferers of type 2 diabetes. It works by helping their body properly deal with the insulin it creates and to help maintain proper blood sugar levels. The drug has enjoyed tremendous success and is frequently among the bestselling drugs each year. But while it is very true that Actos can help to control your type 2 diabetes, there are also other factors that you should be aware of regarding the medication, mainly regarding the side effects and risks that can come with taking the drug.
Your Heart
Numerous studies have concluded that Actos and other Pioglitazone based medications can seriously worsen congestive heart failure or even cause it outright. This is an issue wherein the heart cannot successfully pump blood to all of the other parts of the body and can lead to serious medical issues and even death. You need to speak to your doctor if you have ever had any type of congestive heart failure or other heart problems including high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. And if you are still put on Actos, be sure to contact a health professional immediately if you experience any signs of congestive heart failure, which include shortness of breath, large weight gain quickly, pain or swelling of the stomach, and swelling in the feet, hands, arms, or lower legs.
Your Bones
In women, prolonged use of Actos can lead to an increased likelihood of breaks and fractures in the bones of the arms, hands, and feet. While this seems to be only related to women, it is a very real and very serious condition that should be monitored closely and one that you should be aware of before beginning to take Actos.
Your Bladder (LEGAL ALERT!!)
Perhaps the biggest cause of concern is the recent evidence pointing towards an increased risk of Actos bladder cancer. Tumors of the bladder have been linked to prolonged use of Actos in clinical trials. While the results are still early and the Food and Drug Administration has stated that more tests are needed to fully understand the severity of this risk, the packaging of Actos in America has been modified to include a warning about bladder cancer and Actos. Overseas, the effects have been more dramatic. The French government has pulled Actos off their shelves altogether while the German government has recently advised all doctors to cease prescribing Actos to their patients until further studies can be completed. ((((Please review common symptoms and warning signs of bladder cancer.))))
What to Do
You should meet with your doctor to full address all of your concerns and questions regarding Actos use. It may be the best way to help control your type 2 diabetes, but you might also decide that the risks are too great to warrant taking it. If you’ve already been using the medicine for an extended period of time, you should also schedule an appointment to help determine if you should stop taking the drug or if you are facing any of the previous issues, especially bladder cancer. Your health is priceless, so be sure to fully understand the warnings and benefits of Actos before you continue using it. If you would like to pursue an Actos lawsuit, please inquire within.
References
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