The FDA has approved updated drug labels for pioglitazone-containing
medicines to include a safety warning that the use of pioglitazone for more
than 1 year may be associated with an increased risk for bladder cancer.
According to the new drug label, health care professionals should:
- Not use pioglitazone in patients with active
bladder cancer.
- Use pioglitazone with caution in patients with a prior history of
bladder cancer.
In addition, patients are encouraged to contact their health care
professional if experiencing any sign of blood in the urine or symptoms such as
new or worsening urinary urgency or pain on urination since starting
pioglitazone (Takeda). These symptoms may be related to
bladder cancer.
According to the FDA, health care professionals and patients can access
the latest drug labels for pioglitazone-containing medicines at:
These labeling changes were previously communicated on June
15.