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FDA’s Research Focuses on Lipitor Side Effects
By Amanda Antell
In 2011, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be researching the side effects of certain drugs, and would require the labels to be updated accordingly. Lipitor is one of the drugs included in their research.
The FDA’s research efforts will be primarily retaining to statin drugs, with the goal of updating their warning labels to include more specific information about the potential side effects as well as specific patient populations who could be at higher risk. These statin drugs include:
- Altoprev (lovastatin)
- Crestor (rosuvastatin)
- Lescol (fluvastatin)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Livalo (pitavastatin)
- Mevacor (lovastatin)
- Pravachol (pravastatin)
- Zocor (simvastatin)
Additionally, there are also certain drugs being tested in combination with these statins to test their side effects. The research here also focuses on the patient population that would be at the most risk with these combinations, as well as observing the different reactions between the drugs. These other drugs include:
- Advicor (lovastatin)
- Simcor (simvastatin)
- Vytorin (simvastatin)
Lipitor (atorvastatin), manufactured by Pfizer, is the most popular cholesterol treatment drug in the United States. It is used by millions of Americans to help reduce their cholesterol levels in order to prevent heart disease. Ideally, with a proper diet and exercise routine, Lipitor could help the individual live a longer, stronger and healthier life.
Unfortunately, recent health news, scientific studies, and FDA injury reports have indicated that Lipitor may be causing the opposite to occur in some patients, by causing patients to develop Lipitor type-2 diabetes. Type-2 diabetes puts the patient at a greater risk for heart problems, strokes and blood clots. It is currently unknown as to what causes Lipitor to increase the likelihood of developing type-2 diabetes, but many medical experts believe it has to do with Lipitor’s mechanism to elevate glucose levels in the blood.
Despite knowing about studies which have showcased the possible link between Lipitor and type-2 diabetes, Pfizer failed to include this indication on Lipitor’s warning label for years, and only recently put some content describing that Lipitor may elevate blood sugar levels.
Overview of Lipitor Diabetes Side Effects
Lipitor is a member of the statin drug family, and works by preventing the liver from creating an enzyme produces the majority of the body’s cholesterol. This mechanism helps the body reduce its levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad cholesterol.” Lipitor has been widely received as a success by most, but has earned some harsh criticism over the years.
The most recent Lipitor update was released to the public in February 2012, when the FDA announced that Lipitor’s warning label would include content that would include potential Lipitor side effects such as diabetes and increased blood glucose levels. According to some lawsuit plaintiffs, Pfizer’s update to the label was inadequate because it failed to explain that it may cause Lipitor type-2 diabetes.
Potential symptoms of Lipitor type-2 diabetes could include but are not limited to:
- Frequent Urination
- Unusual Thirst, Hunter or Weight Loss
- Fatigue and Irritability
- Frequent Infections
- Blindness
- Slow Healing Cuts and Bruises Tingling and Numbness in Hands or Feet
Despite the numerous studies indicating the possible connection between Lipitor and type-2 diabetes, Lipitor’s warning label continues to provide misleading and inadequate information about how the blood sugar levels could help form type-2 diabetes, putting consumers at risk. Many believe that Pfizer has not adequately updated the Lipitor label to protect its profit margin.
Lipitor Litigation Movement
While it is a comfort to many that the FDA is taking steps towards finding definite proof of Lipitor’s connection with type-2 diabetes, it does not change the fact that thousands of patients have been affected by the condition. As of now, there are multiple and individual Lipitor type-2 diabetes lawsuits against Pfizer. Many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation. Pfizer is facing charges of negligence, false advertising, concealing information, and misrepresenting a product.
File a Lipitor Lawsuit Today
If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of Lipitor type-2 diabetes, you have legal options. Please visit the Lipitor Diabetes Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Lipitor lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The Lipitor lawyers working this investigation do not get paid until you do.
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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