A number of recent studies have suggested that the link between Actos (pioglitazone) and bladder cancer was much stronger than was indicated in prior clinical trials. May 31, 2012 -- The diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) already carries a warning about its risk for bladder cancer, and now new research suggests that this risk may be greater than previously. DIABETES DRUG ACTOS® has been linked to bladder cancer, especially in men. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with BLADDER CANCER and took the diabetes drug ACTOS®, you could be entitled to MONETARY COMPENSATION. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), use of the diabetes medicine pioglitazone (Actos ®) is linked with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The risk seems to higher when higher doses are used. Actos Actos is an oral diabetes drug made by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company which was co-marketed in the United States by Ely Lilly Pharmaceuticals as Actos, Acto-plus Met, and Duetact. Actos and Bladder Cancer. According to some research studies, Pioglitazone, also known as Actos®*, may be linked to the development of bladder cancer. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Updated FDA review concludes that use of type 2 diabetes medicine pioglitazone may be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer FDA Drug Safety Communication: Ongoing Safety Review of Actos (pioglitazone) and Potential Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer After Two Years Exposure Pioglitazone (marketed as Actos. But studies have linked long-term use of the medicine to a number of serious health complications, including heart failure and bladder cancer. Actos Facts By Terry Turner Diabetes patients have enough trouble without a diabetes drug causing cancer. But that could be the case with Actos, which treats Type 2 diabetes yet also is linked to bladder cancer.