Lipitor Lawsuit Lawyers

 

Studies have linked Lipitor to causing type-2 diabetes in women.  Many Lipitor lawsuit claims have been filed, with many more Lipitor lawsuits expected to be filed soon. If you or a loved one has suffered Type-2 diabetes while taking Lipitor or developed serious health complications while on the drug, then you may be able to file a Lipitor lawsuit.

Atorvastatin, brand-name Lipitor, is a member of the class of drugs known as statins, which are used for lowering cholesterol. The drug stabilizes plaque and combats strokes through reducing inflammation. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) does this by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. The drug was first produced in 1985 by Parke-Davis Warner-Lambert; the company was later acquired by Pfizer Corporation. Since being approved by the Food and Drug Administration and entering into distribution in 1996, the drug has been the highest selling drug in pharmaceutical history with sales exceeding $125 billion.

A generic form of the drug became available after Pfizer’s patent expired on November 30, 2011. The generic form of the drug, atorvastatin, was then produced by Watson Pharmaceuticals and Ranbaxy Laboratories.

Since Lipitor’s introduction onto the pharmaceutical market, millions of patients have been prescribed Lipitor to lower their cholesterol to reduce their chances of stroke and heart disease. However, despite being on a healthy diet and exercising regularly, some patients develop type-2 diabetes while taking Lipitor. Studies that have linked taking Lipitor to the development of type-2 diabetes have also found the risk for developing the disease is much higher in women. It has been concluded that Lipitor has a direct effect on the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels, which in turn increases the risk for type-2 diabetes to develop.

Many patients whose health has been compromised by Lipitor are beginning to file Lipitor lawsuit claims against Pfizer. Please do not hesitate to contact us concerning your situation. A Lipitor lawyer from Levin, Papantonio can help evaluate your case and determine if a Lipitor lawsuit can be filed.

How did the Lipitor lawsuit start?

Recent medical studies have linked Lipitor (atorvastatin) to an increased risk of Type-2 diabetes, especially in older women. Lipitor is one of the most popular cholesterol drugs on the market, and has been prescribed to millions to help lower their cholesterol.

I take Lipitor and have been diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes, am I entitled to compensation?

If you developed Type-2 diabetes while taking Lipitor, then you may have a case. However, before you can be entitled to compensation, you must file a Lipitor lawsuit, and potential plaintiffs have to prove that their diagnosis for Type-2 diabetes resulted while using Lipitor. An experienced Lipitor lawyer at Levin, Papantonio can help you file a Lipitor lawsuit so you or your loved one can be compensated for injuries sustained while taking Lipitor.

I have filed a Lipitor lawsuit, how much compensation am I going to receive?

It is difficult to predict the amount of compensation you will receive as the amount of compensation varies from case to case. The amount of compensation may be based on pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of income, and other problems the plaintiff may have experienced in their situation.

What is Lipitor used for?

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a drug prescribed to help lower cholesterol in men and women. Lipitor belongs to a class of drugs known as statins, and is the most widely-used statin drug on the market. Statins work by blocking an enzyme made by the liver that is used by the body to produce cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, the patient’s cholesterol levels are lowered.

What are the side effects of Lipitor?

Side effects of Lipitor may include:

  • Muscle damage
  • Myopathy (muscular weakness)
  • Kidney damage and failure (renal failure)
  • Liver failure
  • Memory loss
  • Death

 

Is there a relationship between Lipitor and diabetes?

 

Yes, studies have associated the use of Lipitor to an increased risk of developing Type-2 diabetes, especially in postmenopausal women. A study published in 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that postmenopausal women who took Lipitor saw a 48 percent increase in the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes over those who did not take the drug.

What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin calcium is the non-brand name of Lipitor.

Does Lipitor cause muscle twitching or spasms?

Lipitor is known to cause muscle weakness, tenderness, and pain. Frequent muscle twitching or spasms while taking Lipitor may be an indicator of an unrelated condition, and it is advised that you contact your physician with any questions you may have concerning this symptom.

What is the difference between Lipitor and Simvastatin (Zocor)?

Zocor, manufactured by Merck Pharmaceutical Company, is also a drug prescribed to lower cholesterol to reduce the chances of stroke and heart disease, and is marketed as a generic alternative to Lipitor.

Does Lipitor have a different effect on men and women?

Studies have linked the association of Type-2 diabetes in men and women who have taken Lipitor. However, the risk for developing Type-2 diabetes while taking Lipitor is much higher in women than in men.

What happens when I stop taking Lipitor? Are there side effects?

Preliminary studies have implied that abruptly stopping Lipitor or any statin drug may leave the patient more vulnerable to a heart attack or stroke. However, further studies are needed to validate this notion and it is advised that you consult with your physician before you stop taking Lipitor.