The analysis and reports of a previously completed study established a link between the regular intake of diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) and the increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
Now with two known studies establishing the link, the added risk for bladder cancer in diabetics taking Actos remains to be individually low, but still persists, no matter how low the risk rates are reported to be.
“The evidence suggests that this drug is associated with about a 22 percent increased risk of bladder cancer,” shared Jeffrey Johnson, Senior Author of the study and the Canada Research Chair in Diabetes Health Outcomes, University of Alberta, School of Public Health.
Last May, a similar study published in BMJ tied a link between Actos and bladder cancer development, following cases for two years. The study suggested that the drug does cause significant bladder cancer risks, doubling the chances of developing bladder cancer.
Though no specific cause for the link has yet to be established, theories revolve around the drug’s catalyst role in the development of crystals which causes irritation in the bladder, which in turn plays a significant role in the onset of bladder cancer cases.
As a type of cancer, bladder cancer is quite rare, and as revealed by Johnson, the potential onset of diabetics taking Actos and developing bladder cancer is “pretty small”, but is still something which should be looked into, given the bladder’s important role in the body’s excretory system.
Diabetics prescribed to take Actos should consider regular checkups and consultations with their healthcare experts, in ensuring that they are free from the dangers of developing bladder cancer.
