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Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) is a medication that is highly prescribed nowadays because of the rising number of heart diseases, online health reports say, relating the upsurge of its popularity to cholesterol problems. There are about 71 million American adults who are suffering from high cholesterol but only one in every three adults are able to control their cholesterol level, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL) may be lowered through the help of lifestyle and diet changes and also through medications. However, there are several health problems that were found to be caused by these medications. Pfizer, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the United States, released Lipitor in the market after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its approval in December 1996. Although Lipitor was not the pioneer drug in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol, it has become one of the best-selling medications. It was then thought to be a miracle drug and many people have attested that it has helped save their lives from heart attack and other heart ailments. However, recent studies show that there are several risks that accompany the use of this medication. The FDA has released the warning for myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, liver dysfunction and cognitive impairments. - There is a high risk for myopathy or neuromuscular disorders that may result to muscle weakness when Lipitor is take together with other medications. Cyclosporine, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, clarithromycin and HIV medications and antifungal drugs may cause this type of drug-to-drug interaction with Lipitor. - Liver enzyme tests may be required before starting the treatment because there were fatal liver problems that even led to hepatic failure. If the doctor believes that there are signs of compromise from the liver, the therapy might be stopped immediately and a liver function test may be performed. Patients are encouraged to report signs of liver damage which may include right upper abdominal discomfort, fatigue, anorexia, jaundice and dark urine. - Post-marketing reports point to cognitive impairment such as memory loss, confusion and amnesia. Although these reports were not serious, patients may regain their proper mental function after three weeks of stopping the use of the drug. These warnings help physician and patients weigh the benefits and risks of undergoing treatment. However, there are several men and women who have visited the Lipitor Lawsuit Center wanting to know how they may get compensation from the adverse effects they have encountered due to the drug.
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