Name Address City

Zip

State --- AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Phone Diagnosis Select... Bladder Cancer Heart Attack Congestive Heart Failure Other Unknown Email Comments

Diabetes and Bladder Cancer

Clinical studies have shown that diabetes may increase bladder cancer's return, and could enable its growth. Researchers say diabetes is possibly a predictor of the re-emergence or progression of non-muscle infectious bladder cancer. The studies go on to say that diabetics being treated for this form of cancer have double the risk of recurring tumors. People studied who did have diabetes were found to be nine times more likely to suffer bladder cancer than those who were diabetes free. The studies admittedly had a relatively small sample group. But the findings do indicate certain diabetes patients would find it beneficial to submit to medical follow-ups at an accelerated pace. Let your physician outline a comprehensive follow-up routine, and stick with it.

FDA Warnings

On the heels of those clinical studies comes a warning from the Food and Drug Administration regarding a popular diabetes-fighting drug, Actos. The FDA is concerned that evidence shows Actos - produced by Takeda Pharmaceuticals - increases the risk of contracting bladder cancer. A five-year analysis of the drug found no general increase of bladder cancer for those taking Actos, but did find that those who have been using Actos for a longer period of time do incur a greater risk factor.

Other Concerns

Also, diabetics with the largest accumulation of Actos have a greater chance of contracting bladder cancer. FDA officials, based on their safety review of Actos, urged the drug not be given to bladder cancer patients or those who have had the disease. Joining the FDA's findings is a study conducted in France regarding the increased cancer risk associated with Actos. French officials suspended using the drug and warned against prescribing Actos for new diabetes patients. Health officials in Germany have issued similar orders regarding Actos.

Balancing Act

It is a given that continued use of some drugs can lead to serious problems, which presents a dichotomy for the FDA and patients. While the FDA does warn against using Actos, it also encourages diabetics to continue using the drug until told to stop by medical professionals. This is a prime reason for patients to maintain close relationships with their doctors. They are best qualified to recommend what and how much of any anti-diabetic drug a patient might need. More than 15 different diabetic medicines have shown tendencies to associate with bladder cancer.

Actos Connection

Among the drugs found to cause a higher risk for the development of bladder cancer, Actos appears to be at the top of the list of drugs to watch. More than a fifth of the bladder cancers diagnosed in diabetic patients occurred in those taking Actos. That is seen as a "disproportionate risk" when compared to other anti-diabetes drugs. Researchers admit they haven't discovered how Actos might increase bladder cancer risks. But the preponderance of evidence linking the drug to bladder cancer cannot, and should not be ignored by those using or prescribing Actos.

What should Actos users do?

Study the facts and talk with your doctor. Find out if you are at a higher risk because of a personal or family history of bladder cancer or if your risk has increased by taking high doses of the drug or by long term use. After gathering all relevant information consult with your doctor and decide whether the benefit from using Actos outweighs the risks.

Informational Help

If after discussing the matter with your doctor the decision is made to continue using Actos be certain that you clearly understand the early warning signs of bladder cancer. Get a free copy of the bladder cancer book featured on this site by filling out the short request form. The information in the book is lifesaving in its detail. Remember bladder cancer is highly responsive to treatment when caught in its early stages. Be informed!