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The FDA first approved Lipitor in 1996 to treat high cholesterol and prevent
cardiovascular disease. To increase Lipitor profits, Pfizer began heavily
promoting Lipitor to consumers and physicians. Lipitor promotion exceeded
tens of millions on advertising alone, leading to its popularity among
men and women with high cholesterol. Since it was approved, it has become
the best selling drug in pharmaceutical history with sales exceeding $125
billion. It provides its pharmaceutical manufacturer, Pfizer, with a quarter
of their annual revenue every year.
Unfortunately, Lipitor’s benefits were not without cost. Since its
approval, studies have linked Lipitor to developing Type 2 diabetes, a
lifelong condition that causes high blood sugar levels in patients. Researchers
suspect that Lipitor inhibits the function of the pancreas and can also
decrease the body’s sensitivity to the insulin it produces.
One of those studies was published in January 2012 in the
Archives of Internal Medicine. This study found that women between the ages of 50 and 79 were 48% more
likely to develop Type 2 diabetes after taking Lipitor than other women
their age. This was not the only study to reach such conclusions.
In light of this research, the FDA released a statement warning men and
women that Lipitor and other statin drugs could be associated with an
increase in developing high blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes. They
also required Pfizer to update Lipitor’s warning label.
We're investigating Lipitor injury claims now! Fill out a
case evaluation form to learn more!
Why is Lipitor prescribed?
Lipitor is usually prescribed to patients with high cholesterol levels.
It has the ability to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL and Triglycerides)
and increase the good cholesterols (HDL) in the body. It can also be used
to lower the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and coronary heart disease
problems, and has been used in adults and children over the age of 10.
Type 2 Diabetes and Other Lipitor Side Effects
Lipitor and other statin medications can cause serious side effects and
medical complications, including:
- Chest pain
- Peripheral edema
- Myopathy
- Acute renal failure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver problems
- And more
Unfortunately, these side effects and health complications have led to
numerous lawsuits being filed against Pfizer. These lawsuits allege that
the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings for these side effects
and complications, including the increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. In
addition, even after numerous studies linked Lipitor to an increased risk
of Type 2 diabetes, Pfizer continued to promote their drug as safe and
effective.
Contact Our National Defective Drug Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has suffered adverse side effects or been diagnosed
with Type 2 diabetes after taking Lipitor to control your cholesterol
levels, you may be able to file a lawsuit. To learn more about your rights
and legal options,
contact our Philadelphia dangerous drug lawyers at Golomb & Honik, P.C. today. Call us directly at (215) 278-4449
or complete a case evaluation form online.