Consumer Reports advises against Actos in any form

Recently, I reported that the FDA approved the first generic version of type 2 diabetes drug Actos despite a myriad of lawsuits pending against the brand name manufacturer. A few days after that approval, Consumer Reports advised its readers to avoid both the brand name and the generic.

“Our medical advisers say that people with diabetes should use pioglitazone, generic or brand name Actos, only as a last resort,” wrote Steve Mitchell.

He advises patients already taking the dangerous prescription drug to ask their doctor if they can take metformin – by itself or along with glipizide or glimepiride tablets – instead. For those worried about cost, Mitchell says the drugs can be purchased for around $4.

The FDA’s press release stated that diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke. But Actos itself has been linked to cardiovascular problems and bladder cancer. If you’ve suffered adverse side effects while taking Actos, please be sure to have an experienced drug injury lawyer review the facts of your case.