Bladder cancer among alleged side effects of diabetes drug

Patients taking prescription medication for any condition have the right to do so knowing they are safe in following their doctors’ orders. Pharmaceutical companies have the responsibility to develop and provide appropriate products and to disclose any and all potential complications or side effects of potentially defective medication to protect the public. Liability for improper disclosure is high for drug makers.

A case recently filed by a St. Louis attorney against a pharmaceutical company claims that the manufacturer marketed a drug to diabetes patients that was known to have a high risk of bladder problems, including bladder cancer. The case accuses the drug company, Takeda, of negligence in their distribution a Type II diabetes treatment. The suit alleges that the compay did not take proper measures to warn patients of the risks associated with taking the drug. These risks include the development of bladder cancer.

The new lawsuit follows claims by other patients against the drug company. The plaintiffs allege that they have developed drug injury as a result of taking the medication. The medical problems faced by the men rleate to bladder and urinary tract systems. The drug is known by several names including Actos, Actoplus MetXR, Actoplus Met and Duetact.

Drug safety and pharmaceutical liability are serious matters. The public has a right to trust the prescriptions they are given and know that all possible side effects are properly disclosed. If you suspect you have been the victim of a defective drug, contacting an attorney to learn your rights could be the best thing to do.

Source: The Madison-St. Clair Record, “More out of state claimants file suit against Takeda in St. Clair County,” Andrea Dearden, June 20, 2013