In our Feb. 4 blog post, we discussed the revelations that diabetes patients who take Actos, a drug manufactured by Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical and Eli Lilly and Company, have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Lawsuits from three men are accusing the companies of suppressing studies detailing the connection and of putting profits over patient safety.

The plaintiffs all were diagnosed with bladder cancer several years after being prescribed Actos as a long-term maintenance of high blood sugar. Their diagnoses seem to match the findings of an FDA study published late in 2010 that Actos consumers had an increased risk of developing that form of cancer.

Several other studies reached similar conclusions, including some that suggested taking Actos for just over a year presents a serious risk. But Takeda and Eli Lilly withheld those findings to avoid losing the U.S. market to an FDA rejection, the lawsuits claim.

Once the FDA issued its warning, Takeda recalled Actos in France, but did not take similar action in the U.S., the lawsuits allege. The plaintiffs say that indicates the drug makers were more interested in earning profits from diabetes sufferers than keeping the healthy.

The lawsuits accuse Takeda's U.S. branch and Eli Lilly of negligence, as well as breach of express warranty and violation of state consumer protection laws. They seek $50,000 in damages each, plus punitive damages and court costs.

Diabetes patients in Alabama who believe they have contracted bladder cancer as a result of using Actos should consult a product liability attorney to better understand their legal options.

Source: The Madison Record, "Takeda named in suits over use of diabetes drug Actos," Andrea Dearden, Feb. 2, 2012