A group of Scottish researchers has called for updated Actos and Avandia drug labels to include warnings about the potentially increased risk of hip fractures associated with the controversial diabetes medications. In a study published earlier this month in the journal Diabetologia, researchers concluded that the connection between Actos and Avandia and hip fracture complications is stronger than previous research suggests. Both Actos and Avandia belong to a class of diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and the study authors indicate that the risk of hip fractures is likely present throughout the class. If you have experienced a hip fracture or another serious side effect and you believe Actos to be the cause, consult our skilled Actos lawyers at AMA Law for legal help.
BLADDER CANCER AND HEART RISKS LINKED TO ACTOS, AVANDIA
In light of the serious consequences that diabetic patients who suffer a hip fracture may face, researchers involved in the Scottish study concluded that the existing warnings about the risk of hip fractures with Actos and Avandia use should be strengthened. Both diabetes drugs are already under heavy scrutiny due to the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects associated with their use. Possible complications of Actos include an increased risk of bladder cancer with long-term use, and drug regulators in the U.S. have restricted access to Avandia due to the risk of severe heart problems linked to the medication.
INCREASED RISK OF HIP FRACTURES WITH TZD DRUGS
In this latest study, researchers observed 37,479 individuals who took Avandia or Actos from 1999 to 2008, and discovered that the risk for hip fracture side effects increased over time for both women and men taking either diabetes drug. Overall, the study authors determined that there was an 18% relative increase in the rate of hip fractures among Actos and Avandia users for every cumulative year they were taking the diabetes medications. While previous studies focused on the hip fracture risk among female patients taking Actos or Avandia, this research showed that the hip fracture risk affected men as well.
GSK SETTLES AVANDIA HEART ATTACK LAWSUITS FOR MILLIONS
“Current TZD drug labels state that ‘the risk of fracture should be considered’ but emphasize that effects are on distal fracture and mostly in women,” the researchers wrote. “These labels should be changed to reflect the accumulated data on hip fracture and risk in men.” The diabetes drug study comes on the heels of a $90 million settlement GlaxoSmithKline recently agreed to pay for Avandia heart attack lawsuits filed by 38 states claiming that the drug firm deceived their Medicare programs by not accurately reporting the medication’s safety risks. The company has already paid more than $1 billion in Avandia settlements for more than 25,000 lawsuits brought on behalf of former patients who suffered a side effect allegedly caused by the diabetes drug.
CONTACT OUR ACTOS ATTORNEYS TODAY
Actos maker, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, currently faces more than 1,000 Actos lawsuits filed in state and federal courts throughout the United States, and more than 10,000 complaints are expected to be filed by individuals claiming that Takeda failed to adequately warn patients about the risk of bladder cancer side effects with Actos use. If you took Actos to treat your diabetes and you have since suffered a major side effect like bladder cancer or a hip fracture, contact our knowledgeable Actos attorneys at AMA Law to explore your compensation options. You may be entitled to reimbursement for your injuries and medical bills, which you can pursue by filing an Actos lawsuit against Takeda Pharmaceuticals.