What’s the Problem?
The study, which was published July 21 in the Journal of the American medical Association (JAMA), analyzed data from nearly 200,000 patients with type 2 diabetes and found no correlation between Actos and bladder cancer (a disease linked to the medication in previous studies).
However, the researchers did find that Actos users were 41% more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 13% more likely to develop prostate cancer. Conclusions were based on data compiled since 1997 on about 236,000 diabetes patients over the age of 40 who used Actos to treat their symptoms.
“There was no statistically significant increased risk of bladder cancer associated with pioglitazone use,” said Assiamira Ferrara, MD, PhD, of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, lead author of the study. “The increased prostate and pancreatic cancer risks associated with ever use of pioglitazone merit further investigation…”
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Change of color in urine and stool
- Pain in the abdomen or middle of the back
- Bloating / feeling of fullness
- Nausea, vomiting or indigestion
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sudden-onset diabetes or sudden change in blood-sugar control in diabetics
- Swollen gallbladder
- Blood clots
Survival Rate
While pancreatic cancer survival rates have been improving slightly over the years, the disease is still considered largely incurable. According to the American Cancer Society, for all stages of pancreatic cancer combined, the 1-year relative survival rate is 20%, and the 5-year rate is 6%.
Actos Settlement Shaky as Deadline Approaches
Plaintiffs in Actos cancer lawsuits have until September 11 to join a proposed $2.37 billion settlement, according to Bloomberg News. Under the proposed deal, plaintiffs would receive an average payout of over $250,000. However, some are rejecting the offer because they feel they should get more.
Do I Have an Actos Pancreatic Cancer Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Actos lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new pancreatic cancer cases in all 50 states.
Free Actos Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one developed pancreatic cancer after using Actos, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing an Actos Suit and our lawyers can help.