Could taking Actos really cause a heart attack in Florida?

You’ve no doubt heard the scare surrounding Actos and other pioglitazone medications in Palm Beach. It is hard enough living with type-2 diabetes, but now you’re worried you may develop a heart condition as well.

To understand the heart failure risks associated with Actos, you should know that diabetes is in itself a major indicator of heart problems. For example:

• Cases of diabetes mellitus appear to be on the rise. A study done in 2007 revealed that 8% of the U.S. population was living with the condition, and 90% of these cases were type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetic patients are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those without.
• Nearly half of all people hospitalized for heart problems have a form of diabetes. In many cases, the condition has gone undiagnosed until the patient has suffered a cardiac event.
• Roughly 60% of all deaths among diabetics are a result of cardiovascular disease.

While the risks of heart problems are inherent to the condition, this does not mean a diabetic is “doomed” to suffer a cardiac event. By being aware of the risks, there are many things a person can do to reduce heart attack risks in Palm Beach-including discontinuing use of Actos for particularly susceptible patients.

Why does Actos increase the risks of heart attacks?

• Actos is known to cause fluid retention. The swelling of the feet, hands, legs and arms, called edema, often leads to congestive heart failure, which is can be fatal in older patients.
• The L.A. Times reports that 4% of Actos patients suffered a cardiac event soon after, including heart attacks, heart failure, or death.

In cases of pharmaceutical injury, a few crucial steps must be taken to protect a patient’s health. First, it is vital that you consult with your doctor to find the best course of treatment for your diabetes.

If your doctor recommends Actos or other drugs containing pioglitazone, be your own advocate. Have a thorough discussion about the risks and benefits, taking great care to establish what the early warning signs of potential side effects are. If you start to have chest pains or experience swelling in your extremities, seek medical help immediately.

Second: if you have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event while taking Actos, contact the Palm Beach Actos class action attorneys at Fetterman & Associates. While you recuperate, we may be able to get you compensation for the drug company’s unnecessary risks to your health.

If someone you love suffered a wrongful death because of a pharmaceutical company, call Fetterman & Associates today at (866) 865-1244 for a free consultation on your Actos class action case.