How Dangerous is Lipitor?

Lipitor is a drug used to lower cholesterol and protect the heart. But what you may not know is that Lipitor has been linked to some serious side effects, including Type 2 diabetes and muscle pain and discomfort. 

More About Lipitor

As noted, Lipitor is a prescription drug that reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Lipitor belongs to a group of drugs called statins.


Statins work by reducing cholesterol production in the liver. Lipitor lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.


Lipitor is used together with diet and exercise to lower cholesterol and prevent heart and circulation disorders.

How Does Lipitor Work?

The cholesterol-lowering drug works by preventing a liver enzyme from producing the waxy substance. 

Pharmaceuticals that Have Led to Lawsuits

Pharmaceuticals that have given rise to lawsuits include Lipitor, Zantac, Zoloft, Paxil, Yaz, Viagra, Nexium, and Prilosec. For example, Nexium, which is used to treat heartburn, has been responsible for triggering cardiac arrest or heart failure. 


The taking of Yaz, a birth control drug, had led to the development of heart attacks and strokes, while Zoloft, an antidepressant, has been linked to suicidal thoughts and birth defects.


If you've experienced negative side effects from a drug, you should contact a personal injury attorney without delay.

More About the Side Effects of Lipitor

Some Lipitor patients report experiencing side effects, such as headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. In some cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as liver damage, kidney failure, and muscle weakness and cramping. Memory loss and nerve damage may also occur after taking the drug.

Who Should Not Take Lipitor?

There are a few groups of people who should not take Lipitor or should only take it under careful medical supervision. These individuals  include:


  • People with liver disease or abnormal liver function tests. Lipitor can cause serious and potentially fatal liver damage. 

  • People with diabetes. Lipitor can increase blood sugar levels and may worsen diabetic control. 

  • People with kidney disease. Lipitor can cause serious and potentially fatal kidney damage. 

  • Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant. Lipitor may cause birth defects or harm the developing baby if taken during pregnancy. 



While some people may tolerate Lipitor (atorvastatin), you should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, as some can be life-threatening if not immediately addressed. These symptoms include:


  • Muscle pain or weakness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

  • Dark urine

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Body aches and pain

  • Cramps

  • Sore throat

  • Flu-like or cold-like symptoms

  • Unusual tiredness or fatigue

Conclusion

Lipitor is a medication that can be very dangerous if not taken as prescribed. If you are considering taking Lipitor, it is important to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the medication. 

Contact a Lipitor Personal Injury Attorney 

If you’ve taken Lipitor and experienced a bad side effect, such as liver disease or a problem with diabetes, you need to speak to a Lipitor personal injury attorney right away. Contact Salam & Associates for more details today.

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