In recent years, a number of scientific studies have been published linking the use of statin drugs to new onset diabetes. Examples of these drugs include Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, and others; and though the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs are not to be discounted, patients ought to be aware of all possible risks. Here are a few studies noting the statin-diabetes link that I found today.
First, I came across an article titled “Are statins really wonder drugs?” by H.S. Grover et al. published in the November, 2013 edition of Journal of the Formosan Medical Association. This Indian research team writes “evidence from various studies indicates existence of many statin-induced side effects such as myopathies, rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, impaired myocardial contractility, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and erectile dysfunction (ED).” Unfortunately, the team states “Physician awareness of these side effects is reported to be very low even for the adverse effects (AEs) most widely reported by patients. This can lead to incorrect treatment decisions, compromised patient care, and an increase in patient morbidity.” (emphasis added)
A 2014 article appearing in the May edition of The Consultant Pharmacist published by Z.H. Park, titled “Statin-associated incident diabetes: a literature review.” gathered data by searching through previously-published studies (2000-2013) on the subject. This team found “Since the report of incident diabetes associated with rosuvastatin, an unexpected finding in the Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin, safety concerns with statins have emerged. Results of observational studies and meta-analyses show association of incident diabetes with statin use in patients with concomitant risk factors for diabetes.” As such, it’s concluded “Review of current, available clinical data suggest a possible association between statin use and incident diabetes in patients with underlying diabetes risk factors.”
And, an article I found today titled “An assessment by the Statin Diabetes Safety Task Force: 2014 update.” appearing in Journal of Clinical Lipidology by K.C. Maki et al. references recent FDA warning label update requirements for statin drugs:
“Statin therapy reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 25% to 30% in primary as well as secondary prevention patients. Thus, statins are the pharmacologic therapy of choice for the management of high blood cholesterol levels. Prompted by examination of clinical trial data suggesting a modest, but statistically significant, increase in the incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus with statin use, the US Food and Drug Administration in 2012 added a statement to the labels of statin medications indicating that increases in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and fasting glucose levels have been reported with statin use.”
Due to the fact that many people have used Lipitor and other statin drugs unaware of the risk for new onset diabetes, a number of Lipitor diabetes lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used Lipitor and received a diabetes diagnosis, 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 compassion, experience, and resources required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our Lipitor Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Lipitor.