The exposure is significant given the drug’s popularity. Nearly 2.3 million prescriptions for products containing pioglitazone (generic name for Actos) were filled between January 2010 and October 2010. Hence, it is unsurprising the manufacturer is currently facing hundreds of Actos lawsuit claims stemming from the alleged risk of bladder cancer.

The disease, while life-threatening, can be treated successfully. Before treatment can be given, however, the condition must be staged in order to determine the extent of its spread (metastasis). In the space below, we’ll describe the different stages of Actos causing bladder cancer as it advances from the innermost layers of the bladder.

Stage I

At this stage, the cancer cells have penetrated the inner layers of the bladder (urothelium and lamina propria), but have not yet spread into the layer of muscle. Nor has the disease spread through the lymph system or bloodstream to other areas of the body.

Stage I bladder cancer is usually treated via transurethral resection or intravesical therapy. The former approach involves directing a thin instrument called a cystoscope through the urethra. It is used to remove the tumor. The latter approach introduces a drug directly into the bladder via a catheter. The drug may be a bacterium that activates the immune system, or a chemical used during standard chemotherapy.

Stage II

During this stage, the tumor has penetrated the layer of muscle in the bladder wall, but has not yet spread to the layer of fat beyond it. As in stage I, the cancer cells have not reached the lymph nodes or bloodstream.

Treatment usually involves a radical cystectomy. This is the surgical removal of the bladder as well as nearby lymph nodes. Occasionally, the cancer cells will be contained in an isolated part of the bladder tissue, making removal of the entire organ unnecessary. In such cases, a partial cystectomy is done.

Stage III

By this point, the cancer has spread through the layer of muscle into the layer of fatty tissue surrounding the bladder. Even though the lymph nodes remain unaffected, the tumor may have reached the reproductive organs. In men, cancer cells may be found in the prostate and seminal vesicles; in women, diseased cells may be found in the vagina and uterus.

Stage III bladder cancer typically requires a radical cystectomy. Before the procedure, chemotherapy may be given in an attempt to reduce the size of the tumor. This makes it easier to remove, thereby improving the chances of success. The chemo drugs may also be given after the procedure to kill residual cancer cells. This is done to minimize the likelihood of a recurrence.

Stage IV

This is the final stage of Actos and bladder cancer. In some cases, the tumor spreads into the abdominal wall, but not to other organs. Other times, it affects the lymph nodes, but shows no signs of further metastasis. In still other cases, the cancer moves into the bone, lungs, and liver.

Because of the extent of the tumor’s metastasis, surgery alone is seldom adequate for treatment. In fact, successfully eliminating the disease is extremely difficult once it has moved to other parts of the body. Therapy is usually given to slow the tumor’s progress, and make life more comfortable for the patient.

Chemotherapy is given as the primary treatment with radiation therapy often used as an adjuvant (secondary) treatment. In cases where the patient’s poor health precludes using chemotherapy, radiation therapy becomes the primary approach. Neither treatment is expected to cure the disease at this late stage.

Even when bladder cancer has been cured, there is a high likelihood it will recur at some point in the patient’s life. Many people who have suffered from the disease experience routine recurrences throughout the remainder of their lives.

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit Help
If you are using this diabetes drug and have noticed blood in your urine, abdominal pain, or pain during urination, consult your doctor immediately. If you have already been diagnosed with bladder cancer, contact an Actos lawsuit bladder cancer lawyer to discuss your legal options and information regarding Actos and cancer risk.

Coping After Receiving A Urostomy

Prior to a cystectomy, urine flows from the kidneys through ureters that attach to the bladder. Urine is stored in the bladder until the organ reaches approximately 25 percent of its capacity. The urge to urinate is followed by an emptying of the organ as urine flows through the urethra to exit the body.

After the bladder has been surgically removed, the surgeon will excise a small section of bowel. The ureters are attached to one end of the bowel while the other end is drawn through an artificial opening made in the abdomen (a stoma). Urine is thus able to flow from the kidneys through the ureters to exit the body.

The urine is collected in a urostomy bag worn over the stoma. The bag should be changed throughout the day. The area surrounding the stoma needs to be cleaned with warm water each time the bag is removed, after which a new bag can be placed. There are several types of urostomy bags that can be used. Your doctor or nurse will provide instructions for emptying and replacing the bag you choose.

Emptying A Continent Diversion Pouch

Many people who have been treated for Actos and bladder cancer opt to have an ileal conduit diversion performed rather than a urostomy. The procedures are similar. A section of bowel is used as a conduit for urine to exit the body via a stoma. The difference is that the bowel is also used to store urine rather than allowing it to pass continuously from the body.

A pouch is created in the bowel for storage, and the end opposite that to which the ureters have been attached is drawn through the stoma. A natural valve is present which prevents the free passage of urine. The pouch is emptied several times a day with a catheter, which is inserted through the stoma.

There are two concerns worth noting regarding the management of a continent diversion pouch. First, it is important to empty it several times a day. Neglecting to do so risks a leak in the pouch. Second, hygiene and cleanliness is critical lest an infection occur.

Sexual Activity After Actos And Bladder Cancer Surgery

Men and women usually experience sexual side effects following a cystectomy. With men, the prostate is removed during the surgery. Nerve damage can make it difficult to achieve an erection. The seminal glands are also removed, eliminating the ability to produce semen.

With women, a cystectomy usually involves the removal of a substantial portion of the vagina. Sexual intercourse may become uncomfortable, and nerve damage can impair the ability to have an orgasm.

Another complication of Actos bladder cancer side effects is that it is accompanied by a comparatively high recurrence rate (in relation to other types of cancer). Patients who have undergone successful treatment without removing the bladder are likely to develop the disease again down the road. For this reason, lifelong follow-up care is an important component of recovery.

If you are using the diabetes drug Actos and have noticed blood in your urine, or experienced abdominal pain or pain during urination, consult your doctor immediately. If you have already been diagnosed with bladder cancer, contact an Actos lawsuit bladder cancer lawyer to discuss your legal options.

One week prior to the FDA’s announcement, the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products banned pioglitazone for similar concerns. Their action was taken after a review of a French epidemiological study. The following day, Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices also implemented a ban on the drug.

Cancer of the bladder is particularly dangerous because it has a high rate of recurrence. In the space below, we’ll explain this issue in more detail, including how a recurrent tumor is treated.

Actos And Bladder Cancer: The Likelihood Of Recurrence

Both superficial and invasive bladder cancer can recur following successful treatment. The former is defined by cancer cells that are contained within the inner lining of the bladder. The latter refers to cancer that has metastasized (i.e. spread) to other organs and the lymph nodes.

Low grade (slow-growing) superficial bladder cancer recurs least often, typically presenting in one of three cases over a five-year period. High grade (fast-growing) cancer presents in nearly 80 percent of cases over the same time frame. In other words, most people who have received treatment for Actos causing bladder cancer are likely to develop the condition again down the road. Moreover, invasive tumors that recur are likely to progress quickly. This means prompt treatment is critical.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the long-term prognosis for someone who develops recurrent invasive bladder cancer is poor. Much depends, however, on the health of the patient, past therapies given, and where the tumor forms.

Can Actos Cause Cancer?

Routine follow-up care also plays an important role in detecting and treating a recurrent tumor. Because there is a high risk of recurrence with bladder cancer, most doctors strongly recommend follow-up appointments every three to six months, even if there are no symptoms.

In most cases, especially when cancer cells have penetrated the layer of muscle, the bladder is surgically removed. The procedure is called a radical cystectomy. A common misunderstanding that dissuades many patients from prioritizing follow-up care is that the disease is unlikely to recur in the absence of the bladder. In reality, post-cystectomy recurrence is common. The tumor may develop in the lungs, pelvis, or liver. It can also present in the bone tissue. The majority of these recurrences are asymptomatic, which makes the condition even more difficult for the patient to detect.

How A Recurrent Tumor Is Treated

Treatment options for recurrent bladder cancer are based largely on the type of therapy given for the initial occurrence, and the location of the new tumor. For example, the patient may have been treated for low grade superficial cancer with intravesical therapy. Due to the relative low risk presented, removal of the bladder may have been unnecessary. When a new tumor forms in the organ’s inner lining, the doctor may recommend a radical cystectomy to reduce the likelihood of future recurrences.

On the other hand, the patient’s bladder may have been previously removed due to a large, invasive primary tumor. If a recurrence develops in multiple parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, and bone, systemic chemotherapy is the treatment of choice. Radiation therapy may be used as an adjuvant treatment.

Symptoms associated with primary Actos and bladder cancer should spur an immediate visit to your physician. Aggressive forms of the disease tend to spread quickly through the tissues and muscle of the bladder, eventually metastasizing to other areas of the body.

Actos And Bladder Cancer Lawsuit Help

If you are using Actos and have experienced pain during urination, blood in your urine, or lower back pain, consult your doctor for an examination. If you have already been diagnosed with bladder cancer, contact an Actos lawsuit bladder cancer lawyer to discuss your legal options.

In June 2011, the FDA issued a safety warning about the drug, cautioning the public that using it for longer than a year could lead to the development of bladder cancer. Like other malignancies, it can be fatal without treatment. Chemotherapy may be necessary if Actos and bladder cancer side effects are not detected early. Below, we’ll explain how the treatment works, and describe the side effects caused by the drugs.

How Chemotherapy Kills Bladder Cancer Cells

Normally, cells divide at a relatively uniform pace. Cancer cells, on the other hand, split quickly and erratically. This is the way they spread (i.e. metastasize) beyond the original site of the tumor. As they divide, they create other diseased cells that also divide quickly, allowing the disease to grow out of control.

Chemotherapy uses drugs that are designed to kill cancer cells by targeting those that split quickly. The medicines kill diseased cells that are in the process of dividing. They also change those that have not yet divided, preventing them from doing so down the road. The chemicals essentially “sterilize” them by damaging their nuclei.

It’s worth pointing out that cells in some areas of the body – for example, the scalp, stomach, and mouth – split more quickly than others. As a result, these cells are sometimes targeted by the chemotherapy drugs. This is the reason many people who undergo treatment experience numerous side effects.

Common Side Effects Of Chemotherapy

The medicines can be given in three ways to treat bladder cancer. The approach taken by the doctor will play a key role in determining which side effects surface. For example, they can be delivered to the bladder through a catheter inserted into the urethra. Side effects are usually minor, and limited to pain during urination, a need to urinate more frequently, and blood in the patient’s urine (hematuria).

The drugs are often given orally (in pill format), or through a vein (intravenously), to kill cancer cells that have invaded other areas of the body. This is a systemic approach to treating bladder cancer after it has metastasized. As noted earlier, side effects occur when the drugs target normal, though fast-dividing, cells throughout the body.

For example, hair loss may occur as the medicines reach the hair follicles; nausea and vomiting are also common as cells in the gastrointestinal tract are affected; and infections are likely as the volume of blood cells drops. The type of drugs (there are over 100 of them) influences which side effects present.

When Actos And Bladder Cancer Cannot Be Cured

By the time bladder cancer reaches stage IV, the tumor will have spread to the abdominal wall. There is also a good chance it has spread to distant areas of the body. At this point, chemotherapy may not be able to cure the disease. It is instead administered with the goal of slowing the cancer’s progression and minimizing the patient’s symptoms. The patient’s survival is unlikely.

Actos and bladder cancer pose a serious risk, especially given the disease’s high rate of recurrence. Although the medication has been banned in France and severely restricted in Germany, the FDA has allowed its continued sale in the U.S. Meanwhile, as more people become exposed to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the drug contributes substantially to the bottom line of its manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

If you have used Actos and been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Contact an Actos lawsuit bladder cancer attorney to discuss your case. We provide a free no-obligation consultation and nationwide representation.

There are several factors that affect the statutory deadlines for filing Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits including:

• The state where the lawsuit is filed
• The type of injury
• The age of the person bringing the claim
• The state where Actos Bladder Cancer was prescribed

Actos Lawsuit South Dakota Statute of Limitations
S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 15-2-1 et seq.

Personal Injury
3 Years

Products Liability
3 Years

Wrongful Death
3 Years

Discovery Rule
In certain situations it isn’t reasonable for a person who has suffered an injury to know what caused their injury until a much later date, sometime years. For example, a person taking Actos who developed cancer, but did not know that it may have caused the side effects.

The above state statute of limitations (time to bring a legal claim) have been provided as a general reference only. Statutes of limitations can change at any time by the actions of the legislature or courts of the particular state. For a full review of any potential legal claims and relevant statutes of limitation related to Actos Bladder Cancer side effects it is important to consult with an attorney who handles Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits to determine how the law applies to your specific legal claims.

If you or a loved one has suffered from the dangerous side effects of this drug you may have important legal rights. For a free no-obligation consultation from a Actos Bladder Cancer lawyer complete our short contact form or call our toll free number to speak to an attorney for the latest updates on Actos lawsuit South Dakota claims and Actos Bladder Cancer class action lawsuit settlements.

There are several factors that affect the statutory deadlines for filing Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits including:
• The state where the lawsuit is filed
• The type of injury
• The age of the person bringing the claim
• The state where Actos Bladder Cancer was prescribed

Actos  Lawsuit Idaho Statute of Limitations
Idaho Code § 5-201 et seq.

Personal Injury
2 Years

Products Liability
2 Years

Wrongful Death
2 Years

Discovery Rule

In certain situations it isn’t reasonable for a person who has suffered an injury to know what caused their injury until a much later date, sometime years. For example, a person taking Actos who developed cancer, but did not know that it may have caused the side effects.

The above state statute of limitations (time to bring a legal claim) have been provided as a general reference only. Statutes of limitations can change at any time by the actions of the legislature or courts of the particular state. For a full review of any potential legal claims and relevant statutes of limitation related to Actos Bladder Cancer side effects it is important to consult with an attorney who handles Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits to determine how the law applies to your specific legal claims.

If you or a loved one has suffered from the dangerous side effects of this drug you may have important legal rights. For a free no-obligation consultation from a Actos Bladder Cancer lawyer complete our short contact form or call our toll free number to speak to an attorney for the latest updates on Actos lawsuit Idaho claims and Actos Bladder Cancer class action lawsuit settlements.

There are several factors that affect the statutory deadlines for filing Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits including:
• The state where the lawsuit is filed
• The type of injury
• The age of the person bringing the claim
• The state where Actos Bladder Cancer was prescribed

Actos  Lawsuit Maine Statute of Limitations
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 751 et seq.

Personal Injury
6 Years

Products Liability
6 Years

Wrongful Death
2 Years

Discovery Rule

In certain situations it isn’t reasonable for a person who has suffered an injury to know what caused their injury until a much later date, sometime years. For example, a person taking Actos who developed cancer, but did not know that it may have caused the side effects.

The above state statute of limitations (time to bring a legal claim) have been provided as a general reference only. Statutes of limitations can change at any time by the actions of the legislature or courts of the particular state. For a full review of any potential legal claims and relevant statutes of limitation related to Actos Bladder Cancer side effects it is important to consult with an attorney who handles Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits to determine how the law applies to your specific legal claims.

If you or a loved one has suffered from the dangerous side effects of this drug you may have important legal rights. For a free no-obligation consultation from a Actos Bladder Cancer lawyer complete our short contact form or call our toll free number to speak to an attorney for the latest updates on Actos lawsuit Maine claims and Actos Bladder Cancer class action lawsuit settlements.

Actos bladder cancer symptoms should be treated as early as possible. As with all types of malignancies, the further it spreads beyond its original site, the less likely it can be cured. But even if the tumor is treated successfully, the survivor must make several lifestyle changes to help minimize the chances of a recurrence. The rate of recurrence for bladder cancer is very high, and thus regular follow-up is necessary. We’ll describe what to expect below.

Follow-Up Care Following Actos Bladder Cancer Treatment

Depending on whether the tumor is low-grade (slow-growing, slow-spreading) or high-grade (fast-growing, quick-spreading), the disease can recur in over 75 percent of treated cases within five years. For this reason, follow-up care is critical. If bladder cancer returns, it is important to treat it quickly in order to prevent its spread.

Follow-up appointments are usually recommended every three to six months. Much depends on the severity of the original cancer and the types of treatment that were used to address it. The doctor will ask the patient about any problems she is experiencing with regard to urinary function and pain.

A number of tests may be performed. The physician might order a urinalysis and urine cytology as well as one or more imaging studies (e.g. CT scan, MRI, etc.). Blood tests may also be ordered to detect various tumor markers. The decision about whether to have these studies done is based on several factors, including whether the patient has experienced a recurrence in the past.

When a recurrence of bladder cancer is detected, the treatment options recommended by the physician will depend largely on previous approaches taken to cure the disease. That which was successful in the past is usually administered again.

Dietary Changes

There are no studies that suggest diet and nutrition can prevent a recurrence of Actos side effects cancer symptoms. However, the patient’s immune system clearly plays an important role in fighting cancer cells. By eating healthy and maintaining a proper weight, the survivor can strengthen her immune system, and possibly limit the spread of a recurring tumor.

Making dietary changes may be difficult for those who are going through treatment, or have recently finished doing so. This is especially the case when chemotherapy is given; nausea may suppress the survivor’s appetite. However, it is important for the patient to meet her body’s nutritional needs.

Changes In Exercise

Like proper nutrition, regular exercise is important to the cancer survivor’s long-term health. Ongoing physical activity will help with weight maintenance as well as strengthen the immune system. It will also improve the cardiovascular system while reducing fatigue. But the level of activity should be balanced in order to prevent overexertion.

If the person did very little exercise prior to receiving treatment for bladder cancer, she will need to start slowly. Someone who was very active prior to treatment can take a more aggressive approach. According to the American Cancer Society, the survivor should eventually take part in sixty minutes of vigorous exercise five days a week.

Coping With Recurrent Bladder Cancer

Because the rate of recurrence is high, those who have been treated for bladder cancer will likely require subsequent treatments. For some survivors, the disease returns over and over throughout their lives. In such cases, the long-term prognosis is poor since the cancer can slowly develop a resistance to different treatment measures. The survivor may eventually need to decide whether further therapy is worthwhile given the side effects.

The FDA’s recent warning about the connection between Actos causing bladder cancer was prompted by results from an ongoing ten-year study. Similar results led health agencies in France and Germany to pull the medication from their respective markets. If, after using this diabetes drug, you were diagnosed with bladder cancer, contact an Actos lawsuit 2011 lawyer to discuss your legal options.

There are several factors that affect the statutory deadlines for filing Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits including:
• The state where the lawsuit is filed
• The type of injury
• The age of the person bringing the claim
• The state where Actos Bladder Cancer was prescribed

Actos Lawsuit Wyoming Statute of Limitations
Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-102 et seq.

Personal Injury
4 Years

Products Liability
4 Years

Wrongful Death
2 Years

Discovery Rule

In certain situations it isn’t reasonable for a person who has suffered an injury to know what caused their injury until a much later date, sometime years. For example, a person taking Actos who developed, but did not know that it may have caused the side effects.

The above state statute of limitations (time to bring a legal claim) have been provided as a general reference only. Statutes of limitations can change at any time by the actions of the legislature or courts of the particular state. For a full review of any potential legal claims and relevant statutes of limitation related to Actos Bladder Cancer side effects it is important to consult with an attorney who handles Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits to determine how the law applies to your specific legal claims.

If you or a loved one has suffered from the dangerous side effects of this drug you may have important legal rights. For a free no-obligation consultation from a Actos Bladder Cancer lawyer complete our short contact form or call our toll free number to speak to an attorney for the latest updates on Actos lawsuit Wyoming claims and Actos Bladder Cancer class action lawsuit settlements.

There are several factors that affect the statutory deadlines for filing Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits including:
• The state where the lawsuit is filed
• The type of injury
• The age of the person bringing the claim
• The state where Actos Bladder Cancer was prescribed

Actos Lawsuit Wisconsin Statute of Limitations
Wis. Stat. Ann. § 893.01 et seq.

Personal Injury
3 Years

Products Liability
3 Years

Wrongful Death
3 Years

Discovery Rule

In certain situations it isn’t reasonable for a person who has suffered an injury to know what caused their injury until a much later date, sometime years. For example, a person taking Actos who developed cancer, but did not know that it may have caused the side effects.

The above state statute of limitations (time to bring a legal claim) have been provided as a general reference only. Statutes of limitations can change at any time by the actions of the legislature or courts of the particular state. For a full review of any potential legal claims and relevant statutes of limitation related to Actos Bladder Cancer side effects it is important to consult with an attorney who handles Actos Bladder Cancer lawsuits to determine how the law applies to your specific legal claims.

If you or a loved one has suffered from the dangerous side effects of this drug you may have important legal rights. For a free no-obligation consultation from a Actos Bladder Cancer lawyer complete our short contact form or call our toll free number to speak to an attorney for the latest updates on Actos lawsuit Wisconsin claims and Actos Bladder Cancer class action lawsuit settlements.