Pioglitazone may increase the risk of bladder cancer

Pioglitazone is a commonly used drug for patients with type 2 diabetes. It was approved for import into my country in 2004 and is currently sold and used in more than 100 countries around the world. Recently, the State Food and Drug Administration issued the 42nd Adverse Drug Reaction Information Bulletin, reminding medical staff and patients to pay attention to the risk of pioglitazone causing bladder cancer.

The results of relevant experimental studies show that pioglitazone may slightly increase the risk of bladder cancer, especially when used for a long time or with a high cumulative dose, the increased risk is more obvious. Based on the results of safety studies and monitoring, the United States, the European Union, Japan and other countries have or are in the process of revising the product instructions of pioglitazone to add risk warnings for bladder cancer.

my country's drug regulatory authorities have also carried out safety monitoring and evaluation of pioglitazone and made the following recommendations: ① Remind medical staff and patients of the risk that pioglitazone may cause bladder cancer, and suggest that doctors should regularly evaluate the therapeutic benefits of pioglitazone, weigh the pros and cons of medication, and develop reasonable and safe diabetes treatment plans for patients; ② Bladder cancer patients and patients with a history of bladder cancer should avoid the use of pioglitazone; ③ Try to use a low dose of pioglitazone; ④ Patients who use pioglitazone for a long time or at high doses should undergo regular examinations; ⑤ If bladder irritation symptoms such as hematuria, frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination occur during the use of pioglitazone, seek medical attention immediately.