Lipitor

The Nature of the Drug: Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) is a popular cholesterol-lowering drug manufactured by Pfizer, who markets the product as a way of lowering risk of heart attack and stroke. One of the best-selling drugs in the world and in the United States, Lipitor belongs to the drug class called statins, which reduce blood levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides.


The Hazards of Lipitor: Lipitor and other statins have been shown to increase risk of Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes. The trend is stronger for post-menopausal women, who in one study had a 50% greater risk of developing the disease than comparable women who did not take the drug. A Type 2 diabetic either cannot produce enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin that she produces. And insulin is needed to convert glucose into energy. Normally the digestive tract breaks down sugars and starches into glucose, and then insulin helps extract the glucose and transport it to the cells. Type 2 diabetes prevents that process from occurring. Symptoms of Lipitor-induced diabetes include thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, darkened patches of skin, frequent infections, and slow-healing heal sores.

Lipitor users have experienced kidney and liver problems as well. In rare cases, the condition rhabdomyolysis arises, in which damaged muscle tissue releases myoglobin into the blood. Myoglobin can damage the kidneys and produce renal failure. Another muscle disease called myopathy, which is weakening of muscle tissue, has also been reported.
People who were prescribed Lipitor or some other statin drug have begun to sue Pfizer and other manufacturers because of the drugs’ side effects.

To Obtain Legal Relief: If you have developed Type 2 diabetes, kidney problems, or liver problems while taking Lipitor, you may have valuable legal rights. Attorney Stephen A. Katz is available at (800) 251-3529 for a free consultation, or for legal representation.