- Ennislaw

09/19/2011 - Plaintiffs, who have pending lawsuits against Japanese company Takeda Pharmaceuticals America Inc. (Takeda), the manufacturer of the Type II diabetes drug, Actos, filed a motion to transfer 11 pending actions, and all subsequent Actos injury actions, to a single judge for pretrial proceedings.

The petition that was filed last week seeks to create a coordinated multidistrict litigation docket for all federal cases filed against Takeda asserting that it is appropriate because many common questions of fact and law exist. Currently two of the 11 actions are filed in the Southern District of Illinois and the others are filed in the Northern District of Illinois, Western District of New York, Southern District of New York, District of New Jersey, Northern District of Ohio and Central District of California. All lawsuits allege negligence and failure to warn of the risks associated with the medication.

Actos, with pioglitazone as its sole ingredient, has been linked to increased risk of bladder cancer. In fact, in June the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required added warnings on the Actos label indicating that the medication may increase the risk of bladder cancer (bladder tumors) when taken for more than a year. According to Ennis & Ennis, P.A., the newly updated drug labels now also recommend that healthcare providers should not use pioglitazone in patients with active bladder cancer and should use pioglitazone with caution in patients with a prior history of bladder cancer.

Takeda and Eli Lilly & Company jointly promoted Actos in the United States since its launch in 1999; however as of 2006, Takeda solely assumed all marketing and sales responsibilities for Actos. “In 2008, with the knowledge of the risk associated with developing bladder cancer while using Actos long term, Takeda achieved its marketing goal by making Actos the tenth best-selling medication in the U.S., all while placing American citizens utilizing Actos at risk of developing bladder cancer,” the petition says. Furthermore, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, Actos had sales of $4.6 billion, making it Takeda’s best selling drug, according to Business Week.

For those that take Actos, bladder cancer symptoms may include: blood in urine, painful urination, frequent small amounts of urination, frequent urinary tract infections, lower back pain, and abdominal back pain.

Attorney David Ennis recommends that anyone who has taken pioglitazone-containing medications such as Actos, Actoplus or Duetact, and experienced any of these symptoms should first immediately consult with their physician. Next, the patient should fill out a MedWatch Form at www.fda.gov. Lastly, patients should seek the opinion of an experienced lawyer to explore their legal rights.

Ennis & Ennis P.A. is offering free nationwide confidential consultations for patients who are taking or have taken Actos, Actoplus or Duetact and suffer these symptoms by calling toll free 1-800-856-6405 or by going to www.ennislaw.com and completing an online case evaluation form.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is a nationwide law firm with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Washington D.C. Ennis & Ennis, P.A. concentrates its practice in mass torts and represents individuals against pharmaceutical companies worldwide as well as medical device makers. Ennis & Ennis, P.A. has been representing clients individually since 1986 and has recovered over $100 million in settlements for its clients.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is also investigating cases involving, Accutane, Avandia, Fosamax, Transvaginal Mesh Devices, Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Depuy Hip Recall, Zimmer Hip Recall, Depakote, Reglan, SJS/Dilantin, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella Birth Control Pills.

Remember the law limits the time in which you can file a claim, so don't wait to explore your legal rights. Call today toll free 1-800-856-6405 or visit www.ennislaw.com.

More Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit News::

If you have taken Actos and experienced serious Actos side effects such as Actos Bladder Cancer call our Actos lawyer today to find out about an Actos lawsuit. With offices in Washington D.C. and throughout Florida we are ready to help Actos side effects victims nationwide. Let our Actos Attorneys evaluate your case for free today. Fill out our online case evaluation form or call us toll free at: 1.800.856.6405 for your free, confidential case evaluation.

Under no circumstances should you discontinue taking any medication, including Actos or Pioglitazone, without first consulting with your doctor.

Actos Bladder Cancer Side Effects Lawsuit Information::