It was advertised as the best way to reduce cholesterol, a type of body fat, and it soon became the best-selling drug ever in pharmaceutical history. However, in February 2012, the Food and Drug Administration warned that this great success, the so-called statin drug Lipitor, posed a 47% risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women ages 50-79. About 160,000 women were studied.
Other Lipitor studies uncovered the possibility of liver problems after taking the drug. Those on Lipitor are supposed to have tests for baseline liver functions at six and 12 weeks after beginning the medication. When some liver damage reports surfaced, the FDA suggested adding inserts to the packaging that carried a warning. Anyone taking Lipitor is warned that frequent blood tests are needed to be alert to any bodily malfunction.
Warnings have also been issued that Lipitor should not be taken if you have:
- very low blood pressure
- hypothyroidism
- a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease or diabetes
The drug should also not be taken if you are pregnant since it reduces cholesterol, which is important for fetus growth.
Besides the risk of type 2 diabetes, Lipitor may also produce these serious side effects:
- allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing
- jaundice
- unusual muscle pain
- loss of appetite
- weight gain
- confusion or sleepiness
Do not drink alcohol if you are taking Lipitor. You should inform your doctor about an other medications you are taking with this drug. Muscle problems may follow if you are taking Lipitor and antibiotics, HIV drugs, or any medication, such as steroids, that could weaken the immune system. Some medical personnel have pointed out that exercise and a healthy diet can often lower bad cholesterol just as effectively as Lipitor and without the risks now associated with this drug.
If you have taken Lipitor and have developed diabetes, contact our attorneys in Attorney Group for Alabama for possible inclusion in Alabama Lipitor Lawsuits. Our attorneys can explain the options that are available to you. Our attorneys can fight for your rights by setting Alabama Lipitor Lawsuits against the pharmaceutical companies that have caused harm.
Many women have developed type 2 diabetes after taking this drug and many more may be at risk. If you are one of those women, let our attorneys consult with you. We can use Alabama Lipitor lawsuits to fight for justice and we want you included in these Alabama Lipitor Lawsuits. There is no obligation and no money spent by you until we win the case. Contact Attorney Group for Alabama today. Don’t suffer through this trying time alone and don’t fight diabetes alone. Contact Attorney Group for Alabama to be informed of your legal rights and decide whether you want to pursue a claim.
