A Puerto Rican woman joins the thousands of women who have allegedly developed type-2 diabetes after taking the heart disease drug Lipitor.

Plaintiff Elizabeth L. has recently joined the multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Pfizer for the side effects she has experienced from this drug.

Elizabeth is a 58 year old woman who resides in Puerto Rico. Her Short Form Complaint filed for the MDL states that she began taking Lipitor in 2000 and discontinued its use in 2014. However, in 2004, Elizabeth was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes.

As is stated in the Lipitor type-2 diabetes lawsuit, Elizabeth has suffered severe and permanent physical and emotional injuries as a result of ingesting Lipitor, including the development of type 2 diabetes. She suffered grievous bodily injury which led to economic and other losses such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress.

Ten counts are brought against drug manufacturer Pfizer in this case. Multiple counts of negligence are included: negligence, negligent misrepresentation and negligent design.

Two counts related to strict product liability- both design defect and failure to warn, are named. Breaches of express and implied warranty, fraud and misrepresentation, constructive fraud and unjust enrichment are also included in the various allegations brought forth by the plaintiff.

The Lipitor Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-02502-RMG in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division. It is part of the Lipitor Type-2 Diabetes MDL known as In re: Lipitor (Atorvastin Calcium) Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2:14-mn-02502-RMG in the same court.

Lipitor Type-2 Diabetes Link

Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) is a cholesterol-lowering drug in the statin family. Having high cholesterol is related to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Lipitor holds the title of the top-selling pharmaceutical in history.

Several years ago, more and more patients taking Lipitor were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes following the use of the medication. Most who developed this chronic condition were women.   It is theorized that statin drugs may interfere with certain hormones secreted from the pancreas. These hormones from the pancreas regulate insulin in the body. Without a proper balance of insulin, blood sugar can rise and the imbalance can cause metabolic processes in the body to go awry.

After further research and study into the Lipitor type-2 Diabetes link, the FDA required Pfizer to update their warning label on Lipitor in 2012. Interestingly, the label is not clear in spelling out diabetes by name and lists the following: “Endocrine Function: Increases the HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including Lipitor.” Those affected by type 2 Diabetes while taking Lipitor have argued that this unclear warning is insufficient in warning of the dangers of an increased risk of diabetes.

Lipitor Lawsuit and Lipitor MDL Information

If you or a loved one has developed type-2 diabetes after taking Lipitor, you may have a legal claim for compensation. Experienced attorneys are available to provide free, confidential guidance to you about your eligibility for an individual lawsuit or joining an MDL.