Diabetes Drugs May Increase Bladder Cancer Risk

A new study suggests that a widely prescribed class of diabetes drugs increases patients’ risk of bladder cancer.

Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed 60,000 Type 2 diabetes patients and found that those treated with Actos (pioglitazone) or Avandia (rosiglitzaone) for five or more years had a two-to-three-fold increase in risk of developing bladder cancer when compared to those who took sulfonylurea drugs, according to Science Blog.

The researchers noted that the findings are particularly important because patients with diabetes are already at a slightly increased risk for this type of cancer compared to people without it.

The authors of the study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, concluded “doctors who care for patients with diabetes should be very aware of any bladder-related symptoms patients might be having, like blood in the urine, and take steps to further evaluate those issues.”

Although most patients in the U.S. do not take Avandia because it was previously linked to severe cardiovascular problems, Actos is the ninth most commonly prescribed drug in the nation, accounting for some 15 million prescriptions each year, according to Science Blog.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Avandia or another dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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