A 29-year-old member asked:
Is what they are saying about actos (pioglitazone) causing bladder cancer true?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Woodsanswered
Pathology 30 years experience
Unfortunately yes.: On june 15, 2011 the U.S. Fda announced that pioglitazone/actos use for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Information about this risk will be added to the warnings and precautions section of the label for pioglitazone-containing medicines. The patient medication guide for these medicines will also be revised to include this information.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Terence Chapmananswered
Urologic Oncology 28 years experience
Possibly: There is evidence of an excess number of cases of bladder cancer in patients who have taken the drug Actos (pioglitazone) compared to what might normally be expected in a large group of people.
Epidemiologic research in this regard continues, but it may be prudent for those who have taken the drug for longer than 1 year to be screened for this, especially in patients with other risk factors such as smoking.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
San Antonio, TX
A 36-year-old male asked:
Why is actos (pioglitazone) still on market although it's confirmed to cause bladder cancer?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Vance Harrisanswered
Family Medicine 36 years experience
Not conclusive: There is not confirmation that it causes bladder cancer. The study you are mentioning was done in france where there is a very high percentage of smokers. Smoking can increase the level of bladder cancer. Kaiser is currently doing a large study to see if there is any association. Most of us still use Actos (pioglitazone) with our patients. Diabetes can be a bad disease also.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 24, 2014
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