Actos Litigation Streamlined To Aid Victims
Those filing suit because of injuries sustained after taking diabetes drug Actos have one less step to take, thanks to a recent court decision.
July 04, 2012
Actos Litigation Streamlined To Aid VictimsA recent order issued by a judicial panel will likely streamline the filing process for those who were injured by the diabetes drug Actos. Use of the medication - which is designed to treat type 2 diabetes - for more than one year allegedly increases the risk of heart failure and bladder cancer, along with other potentially severe side effects.
Cases against the manufacturer of Actos, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., are being filed throughout the country. In an attempt to expedite relief for victims of the medication, the cases were consolidated in 2011. The lawsuits are now part of the multidistrict litigation overseen by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty.
Details of Decision and Impact on Actos Victims
The Honorable Judge Doherty recently signed a Direct Filing and Service of Process Order. This order is designed to simplify the litigation process for those injured by the medication by "eliminate[ing] delays associated with transfer" of cases.
The process will likely hasten resolution for victims, since cases can now be filed directly and no longer need to be filed first in a local court, and then subsequently await transfer to multidistrict litigation - removing one procedural hurdle for Actos victims.
Dangers Associated With Actos Use
Both Germany and France have pulled Actos from their shelves, citing concerns of increased health risks associated with prolonged use of the medication. Five days later, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning citing similar concerns.
In fact, a study by the FDA found that those who took the medication for more than one year faced a 40 percent increased likelihood of developing bladder cancer when compared to those who have never taken the drug.
Additional allegations of macular edema and blindness are also receiving attention. If you or a loved one experienced one of these or another injury associated with use of Actos, remedies may be available. As a result, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced Actos lawyer to better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.
Article provided by Aaron M. Levine & Associates
Visit us at www.aaronlevinelaw.com