Side Effects and Risks of Lipitor

People take Lipitor in hopes of living a healthier lifestyle. What they don’t expect is to develop unintended side effects like Type 2 Diabetes, nor are they prepared to deal with the medical costs and loss of income that comes with it. If you have developed any issues after taking Lipitor, it is important that you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor (manufactured by Pfizer) is a member of a class of drugs known as statin and is used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It reduces the risk of chest pain, stroke, heart attack or certain heart and blood vessel problems.

As of now, Lipitor is only available with a prescription. Pfizer is looking to sell an over-the-counter version, but a study must be conducted and approved by the FDA first.

FDA Warning

In February 2012, the FDA issued a warning on Lipitor and other statins stating that there is a potential risk of diabetes and increased blood glucose levels. However, the information provided by Pfizer has been giving inadequate and misleading information. They are continuing to withhold information about the extent of the risk of diabetes.

What are common side effects of Lipitor?

–       Common cold

–       Urinary tract infection

–       Diarrhea

–       Joint pain

–       Fever

–       Pain in extremities

What are the dangerous effects of Lipitor?

In addition to the above side effects, there have been more alarming concerns about statins in recent years including the following:

–       Type 2 Diabetes – This occurs when the body fails to properly use or produce insulin, which is a crucial hormone the body uses to convert food into energy. Researchers suggest that taking Lipitor or like statins, impairs the function of special cells in the pancreas, which stores and releases the insulin. A clinical study following more than 150,000 women between the ages of 60 and 79 determined that elderly women taking statin face a 48-percent increased risk for diabetes.

–       Muscle Diseases – Some patients report various types of muscle injuries including Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis after taking Lipitor. Although the risk is minimal, researchers believe that muscle disease is substantially higher among patients taking other medications in addition to Lipitor; including certain antibiotics, antifungals and treatments for HIV and Hepatitis C.

–       Liver Disease – Doctors strongly advise against using Lipitor and other statin drugs if patients have liver problems. Because studies have shown that Lipitor can damage liver function, the FDA recommends that doctors perform liver enzyme tests before using statin drugs to determine whether or not the patient can tolerate treatment.

If you have taken Lipitor or any statin drugs and have developed Type 2 Diabetes or damage to your kidneys, liver or muscles, you need a lawyer fighting for your best interests. At The Balkin Law Group , we will fight for your rights and get you the financial compensation you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-THE-BULL for more information.