In January 2015, a Rhode Island woman filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, Inc., the manufacturer of the well-known the well-known cholesterol medication, Lipitor. The woman took the drug to help reduce her cholesterol, but she alleged the drug caused her to develop type 2 diabetes. The woman claims Pfizer continued to market the drug as safe and effective, even though it was aware of the potential relationship between Lipitor and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
If you were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after taking Lipitor to control your cholesterol, contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your options for filing a Lipitor diabetes lawsuit. We offer free, no obligation consultations and can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you in pursuing your claim.
What is Lipitor?
Also known as astorvastatin, Lipitor was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. The drug is designed to prevent an enzyme in the liver from producing bad cholesterol, or low density lipids, thereby reducing the patient’s risk of heart disease. Pfizer was asked by the FDA to update Lipitor’s warning label in February 2012 to include a potential risk of diabetes in patients.
According to the Rhode Island lawsuit, Lipitor contributed to her development of diabetes, and the plaintiff claims breach of warranty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, design defect, and failure to warn on the part of Pfizer. Court documents say the plaintiff is seeking damages of at least $450,000 as well as attorney fees and costs.
This case is one of many filed against Pfizer, and plaintiffs across the U.S. allege the company knew Lipitor was not entirely safe and could potentially cause diabetes in patients. If you believe you developed diabetes from Lipitor and would like to learn more, contact Attorney Group to receive a case evaluation at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Potential Lipitor Side Effects
In addition to type 2 diabetes, Lipitor may also cause other health complications, including anemia, cognitive loss, pancreatic dysfunction, an increased risk of cancer, and neurological disorders. Physicians acknowledge the drug may also result in muscle problems, jaundice, kidney failure, and liver complications, and there is an increased risk of Lipitor complications in patients who are:
- Over the age of 65
- Taking more than one cholesterol-lowering medication
- Living with kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes
- Regularly consuming alcohol
- Smaller in body frame
- Female postmenopausal patients
In January 2012, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women between the ages of 50 and 79 were 50 percent more likely to develop diabetes while taking Lipitor than those who chose an alternative cholesterol medication. Three other studies, two conducted in 2010 and one conducted in 2011, each found similar results, and researchers concluded that Lipitor users were at a significantly higher risk of diabetes, regardless of pre-existing health conditions.
Due to the increasing awareness surrounding Lipitor, as well as the filing of lawsuits throughout the country against Pfizer, patients who believe they developed diabetes while taking Lipitor are encouraged to seek legal counsel. While compensation is not guaranteed, you may be entitled to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.
Do You Have Questions About a Lipitor Diabetes Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one took Lipitor to help lower your bad cholesterol levels and you subsequently developed type 2 diabetes, contact Attorney Group for more information about your options. We can provide a case evaluation at no out-of-pocket cost to you, and we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
