A Lipitor MDL (multidistrict litigation) continues to grow as another plaintiff joins the case. Iowa resident Timothy K. joined other plaintiffs in claiming Lipitor caused the development of type-2 diabetes. Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, is facing many Lipitor lawsuits, including the Lipitor MDL.

Timothy K. began taking Lipitor on Jan. 18, 2008 as prescribed in order to treat his high cholesterol. He took Lipitor as directed for eight years, finally stopping on March 14, 2013.

Timothy K. was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes on Dec. 20, 2012, several months before he stopped using Lipitor. Nearly a year later, he filed a short form complaint against Pfizer and joined the Lipitor MDL.

Timothy K. is accusing Pfizer of negligence, negligent misrepresentation, negligent design, product liability, failure to warn, breach of warranty, fraud and misrepresentation, constructive fraud, and unjust enrichment concerning Lipitor.

The Lipitor MDL claims that the popular cholesterol medication has led to Lipitor type-2 diabetes in several patients and accuses Pfizer of failing to warn about this Lipitor side effect. The Lipitor MDL states that the plaintiff “suffered grievous bodily injury and consequently economic and other losses, including but not limited to pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.”

Timothy K. is seeking punitive damages as well as proper relief and judgment against the defendant.

Lipitor Type-2 Diabetes

Several studies have suggested that Lipitor may cause the development of type-2 diabetes, especially in middle-aged women.

One 2012 study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine found that middle-aged and older women who took statin drugs, such as Lipitor, had a nearly 50 percent chance of developing type-2 diabetes when compared to those who did not take statin drugs. However, Lipitor studies dating back to 2010 found increased Lipitor type-2 diabetes risks.

In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required Lipitor labels to include the diabetes risk.

Lipitor plaintiffs claim that they would never have taken the drug had they been aware of the type-2 diabetes risks associated with the drug.

Type-2 diabetes means the body has lost part of its ability to produce glucose (or sugar) at the rate which cells need in order to survive. While type-2 diabetes can be managed through diet, medication, and lifestyle changes, there is no ultimate cure.

Signs of Lipitor type-2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Increased hunger (especially after eating)
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
• Areas of darkened skin
• Headaches

Thousands of Lipitor lawsuits have been filed, including the amount accumulated in the Lipitor MDL accusing Pfizer of failing to protect patients from type-2 diabetes side effects.

This Lipitor MDL is In Re: Lipitor (Atovastatin Calcium) Marketing, Sales, Practices and Products Liability Litigation MDL No. 2:14-mn-02502 filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division. Timothy K.’s short form complaint is Civil Action No. 2:14-cv-4573, filed in the same court.