WARNING: Recent research has proven an association between Lipitor (atorvastatin) and increased risk for new onset diabetes mellitus.
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is not the only drug in its class found to raise the risk for for diabetes: other statin drugs have been associated with increased risk for diabetes as well. Some research teams have found that Lipitor raises the risk for diabetes more for women than for men, but most other medical researchers have found that Lipitor (atorvastatin) raises the risk for diabetes in both men and women equally.
Mayo Clinic writes that Lipitor (atorvastatin), along with other drugs in the “statin” class, work to lower cholesterol by “blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, [thus reducing] the amount of cholesterol in the blood.”
FDA: Lipitor Raises Risk for Diabetes
“A meta-analysis by Sattar et al.,19 which included 13 statin trials with 91,140 participants, reported that statin therapy was associated with a 9% increased risk for incident diabetes.” Other researchers have found that Lipitor use raises the risk for diabetes by a factor of 1.29 (29% increased risk).
One FDA webpage addressing the risk for diabetes associated with Lipitor and other statins states “A small increased risk of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes have been reported with the use of statins.” Amy G. Egan, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director for safety in FDA’s Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products (DMEP) believes that the benefits of Lipitor use outweigh “this small increased risk,” but warns that “blood-sugar levels may need to be assessed after instituting statin therapy.”
While some medical professionals prescribe Lipitor to help treat diabetes, others caution that it is correlated with increased risk for diabetes in patients who previously did not have the ailment.
Mayo Clinic – symptoms of new onset diabetes:
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“Increased thirst and frequent urination. Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues. This may leave you thirsty. As a result, you may drink — and urinate — more than usual.
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Increased hunger. Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy. This triggers intense hunger.
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Weight loss. Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to metabolize glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine.
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Fatigue. If your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable.
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Blurred vision. If your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of your eyes. This may affect your ability to focus clearly.
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Slow-healing sores or frequent infections. Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and resist infections.
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Areas of darkened skin. Some people with type 2 diabetes have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance.”
If you experience any of these symptoms or notice any changes in your health while taking Lipitor, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Lipitor Diabetes Lawsuits
In February 2012, the FDA required Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, to include warnings about the risk for diabetes on the Lipitor Warning Label, but as the drug company has not made those warnings clear, many people have chosen to file Lipitor diabetes lawsuits in recent months.
If you or a loved one used Lipitor and were recently diagnosed with diabetes, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation through a Lipitor diabetes lawsuit. For more information, or 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, even from the largest of pharmaceutical manufacturers. Call today and see how we can help!
(855) 452 – 5529
Also, every post we’ve written about Lipitor is available here.