A study published in the February, 2012 edition of QJM (the monthly journal of the Association of Physicians) by M. Alberton et al. titled “Adverse events associated with individual statin treatments for cardiovascular disease: an indirect comparison meta-analysis.” set out to “identify differing risk effects across statins.” Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs including Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor, Crestor, and others.
Importantly, the authors note at the outset of their paper that “Statins are the most widely prescribed drug available. Due to this reason, it is important to understand the risks involved with the drug class and individual statins.” To perform this study, the team analyzed a number of previously conducted studies (thus performing a meta-analysis), on adverse events associated with “atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin used for cardiovascular disease event prevention.”
Their research revealed 72 studies including a total of 159,458 patients who used statin drugs. Results showed that “statin treatments significantly increased the rate of diabetes when compared to controls” by about 9%, and that statin use raised aspartate and alanine aminotransferase. Lipitor was found to raise aspartate aminotransferase more than twice that of other statins.
Due to the fact that the manufacturers of Lipitor and other statin drugs have failed time and again to adequately notify users of the risk for diabetes and other serious side effects, a number of Lipitor lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used Lipitor and were diagnosed with diabetes, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Lipitor lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our Lipitor Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Lipitor.