Lipitor, a popular statin drug used to help lower LDL or “bad cholesterol” has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, especially in woman. In 2012, information was added to the Lipitor label regarding its possible association with diabetes following a review by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). One study published that same year found that post-menopausal women who take statins like Lipitor were nearly 50% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
Gilman Law LLP, a leading consumer protection law firm with over 40 years of experience safeguarding the rights of victims, is investigating Lipitor lawsuits on behalf of individuals who developed Type 2 diabetes while being treated with this medication. If you or a loved one suffer from diabetes that may be related to the use of Lipitor, we urge you to contact Gilman Law LLP today to learn more about filing a Lipitor diabetes lawsuit.
Lipitor and Diabetes
Launched in 1996, Lipitor works by preventing the liver from creating an enzyme that helps the body produce cholesterol. According to Reuters, Lipitor was once the all-time biggest selling prescription medicine with cumulative sales in of more than $140 billion. Generic versions of Lipitor became available in 2011.
In February 2012, the FDA ordered the makers of Lipitor and other statins to add new information to the Warning and Precautions section of the drug labels after research indicated the medications might put users at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially in post-menopausal women. The new warnings were added after a study conducted at the University of Massachusetts Medical School found that women who took statins were 50% more likely to develop diabetes compared to women who were not. Those at greatest risk for developing Lipitor diabetes included women who are obese, have high blood sugar, or a family history of diabetes.
The study was, unfortunately, not the first to suggest a link between Lipitor and diabetes. One meta-analysis involving 13 separate studies that was published in June 2010 found that at statin users had a 9% increased risk for diabetes. Another that was published in 2011 found that patients who took high doses of Lipitor or other statins faced an increased risk for the disease.
Unfortunately, the FDA’s Lipitor diabetes warning may have come too late for thousands of patients. Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that has life-long health consequences. Patients taking Lipitor should inform their doctor at once if they experience any symptoms of Lipitor diabetes, including:
- Increased thirst or hunger
- Increased urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
- Areas of darkened skin
Legal Help for Victims of Lipitor Diabetes
A number of Lipitor diabetes lawsuits have already been filed in courts around the country. If you took Lipitor and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may be entitled to significant compensation. For a no-obligation evaluation of your potential Lipitor lawsuit, please fill out our free consultation form or call us direct to speak with one of our attorneys at (888) 252-0048.
