Heralded as an important product in reducing high cholesterol, the drug Lipitor has recently become the target of legal action that is related to its side effects. Specifically, the drug is suspected of inducing diabetes in a large number of its users. Florida Lipitor lawsuits will be conducted on behalf of many of these individuals, and others with health problems that they believe are related to their use of the drug have been advised to seek advice from personal injury attorneys.
Florida Lipitor lawsuits will represent only part of the litigation that is underway, with cases also being filed in a number of other states. Damages are being sought by attorneys representing women who claim to have developed type 2 diabetes after taking the drug over a period of time. Though not requiring insulin injections, this type of diabetes can have long-term health consequences.
Lipitor is the brand name for atorvastatin, which itself is in the category of drugs known as statins. These drugs affect the functioning of the liver so that the body will produce less of what is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High cholesterol levels have long been linked to vascular conditions that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Florida Lipitor lawsuits are based on the premise that the drug has itself resulted in some of the ailments that it was designed to prevent.
Lipitor was developed by Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research, which is a division of the company Warner-Lambert, and was sold by the drug corporation Pfizer. Since its introduction in 1996, Lipitor has become the world’s best-selling pharmaceutical. In its generic form, atorvastatin became available in 2011. The following year, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that drugs of this type could cause an increase in blood sugar levels, which can be a precursor to diabetes. Pfizer was in fact ordered to mention this hazard in the Lipitor label. According to attorneys representating the plaintiffs, knowledge of the threat was known by the manufacturer long before the public was first warned in 2012. One published study showed that the drug can increase by nearly 50 percent the chance of women in the 50 to 79 age bracket of developing type 2 diabetes.
One of the most recent lawsuits was initiated by a woman from Philadelphia who was diagnosed with diabetes after using Lipitor for more than three years. Although she had experienced no serious illnesses before using the drug, her current condition requires her to follow a restricted diet and has reportedly increased her susceptibility to heart disease. The lawsuit is being filed under the principle of product liability, in which manufacturers can be held responsible for the adverse effects of things they make and market. Other accusations include negligence, fraud and breach of warranty. Attorneys filing Florida Lipitor lawsuits are expected to make the same or similar claims on behalf of their clients.
Lipitor side effects can include headaches and joint pain, memory loss, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, muscle and chest pain, rash-related itching and even swelling of the extremities. Those who have taken Lipitor and experienced such conditions should contact attorneys who are experts in personal injury cases. Florida Lipitor lawsuits can help these individuals obtain the compensation to which they may be entitled.
Monetary damages can be sought for the purpose of covering medical expenses or lost wages, or to compensate for any related pain and suffering. Those who seek it have the best chance of obtaining compensation if they consult with attorneys who are engaged in Florida Lipitor lawsuits. Attorney Group for Florida wants to help with your journey. We can answer your legal questions, help you decide if you have a claim or not, and possibly get you the right attorney for your case. So contact Attorney Group for Florida today for your free consultation.
