Glitazones May Increase Bladder Cancer Risk

A new study suggests that glitazone drugs - used to treat type 2 diabetes - may increase a patient’s risk of developing bladder cancer.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed the health records of 60,000 patients from the U.K. Of the patients, 18,459 patients were taking glitazones and 41,396 were taking sulfonylurea drugs. They found that the risk of bladder cancer linked to glitazone drugs “appears to be a class effect,” according to Med Page Today. Researchers also noted that Actos (pioglitazone) did not pose a greater risk than Avandia (rosiglitazone).

Glitazone - also known as thiazolidinediones - is a known concern for bladder cancer. Last year, a large study in France found that the rates of bladder cancer increased by 22 percent among patients who took pioglitazone compared with other diabetes drugs. This study led to the removal of the drugs from the French and German markets in June 2011.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the risk of bladder cancer for Actos, but is still waiting for the results of a study that began in 2002 before taking additional measures. The analysis that is based on information since 2007 showed a 40 percent increase in bladder cancer for patients who took the drug for two years.

Avandia is the only other diabetes drug that has severely restricted access in the market because of concerns over cardiovascular side effects.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyermay be able to represent your case. Call us today at 800-581-6358.