What Is Lipitor?
Lipitor is a drug used to treat high cholesterol and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other risk factors. Lipitor belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as “statins” which reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood while increasing levels of “good” cholesterol. The drug achieves this by blocking the enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol.
Lipitor entered the market in 1996 and since then has been the highest selling drug in pharmaceutical history with sales exceeding $125 billion. The drug has been widely prescribed to millions of patients.
Lipitor Can Lead to a Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
While Lipitor may lower cholesterol and reduce chances of stroke, some patients, despite being on a healthy diet and exercise regime, are being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes while taking Lipitor. It has been found that the drug has an effect on the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. The risk of developing type-2 diabetes while on Lipitor is higher in women. A study published in the 2012 Archives of Internal Medicine found that postmenopausal women who took Lipitor saw a 48% increase in the risk of developing type-2 diabetes over women who did not use Lipitor.
If You Suffered While Taking Lipitor, Our Drug Injury Attorneys May Be Able to Help
Keller & Keller is evaluating claims of patients who have been adversely affected by taking Lipitor. Call today for your free case evaluation.