Lipitor is a statin drug that is used to decrease high cholesterol levels. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 and has since become the world’s best selling medication of all time. Currently there are over 20 million people who use the medication internationally. Lipitor works by inhibiting an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that is located in the liver and is responsible for the production of cholesterol in the body called.
Lipitor Side Effects & Injuries
The most commonly-associated side effects and injuries that have been reported by patients after taking Lipitor include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Muscle weakness
- Tenderness
- Allergic reactions
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dark colored urine
- Skin and eye yellowing
Serious Side Effects Associated With Lipitor Use Include:
The number of people claiming to have suffered serious side effects after being prescribed and regularly taking Lipitor hase continued to increase over time. While the individual side effects and the extent of the damage typically varies from case to case, some of the more commonly-reported symptoms and illnesses victims have experienced include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing
- Memory loss
- Muscle soreness or weakness
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Kidney stones
- Blood in urine
- Urinary tract infections
- Inflammation of the esophagus
Many of these side effects can cause life-altering damage that may require future medical treatment and care, which can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Victims who have reported these side effects may need to consult with a qualified lawyer in order to recover compensation that can pay for these medical bills and other costs.
2012 FDA Makes Label changes to Lipitor
In 2012 the FDA issued a change on statin drug labels. The new labels highlighted that there was a potential risk of memory loss and a small risk of diabetes associated with usage. Shortly after women who felt that Lipitor caused their diabetes began to file lawsuits against its manufacturer Phizer Pharmaceuticals. Due to the large number of lawsuits filed nationally the federal judicial panel decided to consolidate all Lipitor diabetes related lawsuits in a Charleston, South Carolina. Phizer opposed the consolidation because they thought that it would entice additional copycat lawsuits.
Lipitor Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has developed diabetes or has suffered any other injuries or medical complications as a result of taking prescription drug Lipitor, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages under the law. It may be in your best interests to consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights and options for getting your life back on track.
Davis Law Group offers a free case evaluation to victims of defective drugs and medical products, and there is no obligation to hire our firm if you submit your case for evaluation. Simply use the contact form on this page or call our office at (206) 727-4000 to get started.