A Canadian study recently found that daily statin use could raise the risk of developing cataracts.
The researchers found that more people who were taking statins developed cataracts compared to those who did not. Further tests are expected to determine whether there is a significant connection between the development of cataracts and statins. 
The Risks of Lipitor
Statins, which include such popular drugs as Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor, are used to lower cholesterol in an effort to prevent heart attack and stroke. Although cataracts are common and treatable, there are greater risks of using Lipitor other than the association between cataracts and statins.
In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required Pfizer, the maker of Lipitor, and other companies that made statins to update their warning labels because it could cause Type 2 diabetes.
Other risks associated with Lipitor include:
- Kidney failure
- Muscle problems
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Liver complications
- Pancreatic dysfunction
- Neurological disorders
- Cognitive loss
- Anemia
- Increased risk of cancer
Patients have reported a number of milder symptoms, too. Those include tiredness, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, gas, joint pain, indigestion, throat irritation, stomach cramps and infrequent or incomplete bowel movements.
Moreover, people who fit certain criteria – including postmenopausal women, anyone over 65 and patients who take more than one medication to control cholesterol – have a greater risk of developing side effects from Lipitor. More information is available on the Lipitor lawsuit page of Attorney Group’s website.
Are You Eligible to File a Lipitor Lawsuit?
Did you take Lipitor and develop one or more of the symptoms listed above, including the possible relationship between cataracts and statins? If so, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other monetary losses. Attorney Group can help you determine if you have a claim. If you do, an affiliated attorney can file a Lipitor lawsuit on your behalf with no out-of-pocket costs due from you. Contact Attorney Group for more information about filing a Lipitor Lawsuit.
Canadian Study
The Canadian study was published in the December issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. Researchers used the British Columbia Ministry of Health database from 2000 to 2007 as well as the IMS LifeLink United States database from 2001 to 2011. They reviewed more than 207,000 patients who had developed cataracts and more than 1 million who had not. The results found that the Canadian patients were 27% more likely to develop cataracts after taking statins, while United States patients had only a 7% higher incidence. Researchers said that the percentages were significant enough to warrant further investigation into the relationship between cataracts and statins.
