Lipitor is a popular drug for reducing high cholesterol in men and women. In fact, Lipitor is so popular that in 2011, it was the top selling drug in the country with over $7 billion in sales that year. High cholesterol can lead to other serious health complications, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Unfortunately, in recent years Lipitor has been linked to type 2 diabetes and liver damage, and the risk is especially high in postmenopausal women. Contact a Boston Injury Lawyer Today.
Lipitor is part of a cholesterol-lowering class of drugs called statins, which block liver enzymes that assist in the body’s production of cholesterol. The FDA announced in 2012 that Lipitor’s warning label would be updated to include the potential risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the extent of the information provided was inadequate and downplayed the actual risk. According to an article in the New York Times, as many as 100,000 have developed diabetes after taking statins.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes While Taking Lipitor
Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and death. If you have developed any of the following symptoms while taking Lipitor, contact your health care provider immediately:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Sudden weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Cuts and bruises that heal slowly
- Tingling or numbness in feet and hands
Lipitor’s manufacturer, Pfizer, continues to promote Lipitor as a safe drug. However, in postmenopausal women, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is approximately 48% higher than in women who have never taken statins. Even worse, evidence suggests that Pfizer knew of the risks for years before any warnings were provided to the public. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer. The most common claims include:
- Inadequate warning about the link between Lipitor and diabetes
- Although Pfizer was aware that Lipitor could cause a spike in blood sugar levels, it continued to promote the drug as safe and effective
- Even after the FDA required a label change, Pfizer still failed to adequately warn of the risk of diabetes.
To date, more than 2,200 women have filed lawsuits claiming they developed type 2 diabetes as a result of taking Lipitor. More lawsuits are likely to follow. If you suffered a similar outcome, join these women in their fight for justice. When pharmaceutical companies put profits over the health and well-being of the public, they should be held accountable.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Drug Injury Law Firm
If you have developed type 2 diabetes or liver damage after taking Lipitor or any other statin, it is in your best interest to contact a drug injury attorney immediately. Financial compensation may be available for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other associated costs. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our team of experienced drug injury lawyers will evaluate the details of your case to help you determine the best legal strategy for moving forward. Our lawyers have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims in Boston and the surrounding areas for nearly 50 years. If you have been injured due to a defective drug or inadequate warning label, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free consultation about your case.