Today, more people across the globe suffer from high cholesterol than ever before. In the United States, the obesity epidemic is killing hundreds of citizens through excessive junk food consumption, lack of exercise, large food helpings and unhealthy eating habits. As a result, pharmaceutical companies have developed an array of prescription drugs known as “statins” to counteract high cholesterol levels. Some of these medications are beneficial, while others are more dangerous than high cholesterol itself.
Crestor®, Zocor® and Lipitor® are three medications that are facing public scrutiny for the dangers they pose for patients. If you have taken one of these medications and experienced kidney problems, muscle deterioration, liver issues, or any other complication, you should talk to a defective drug attorney to evaluate your case.
Crestor® Injuries
Crestor® is a popular drug designed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Before the medication was even introduced into the marketplace, test subjects exhibited kidney damage and muscle weakness during clinical trials taking just 80 milligrams per day. Because Crestor® did demonstrate the ability to lower a patient’s cholesterol levels; it was approved for use and was prescribed to thousands of patients. After the drug hit the market, some users noticed abnormal elevations in urine protein and blood, which indicate severe kidney toxicity.
Lipitor® Injuries
Manufactured by Pfizer, Lipitor® is one of the well-known statins, and is commonly advertised on TV and in magazines. Lipitor® has been cited for leading to rhabdomyolysis, a disease caused by muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure. Other side effects include constipation, heartburn, and stomach pain. Medical experts warn consumers that they should never use the medication when pregnant or if they have pre-existing liver problems.
Zocor® Injuries
Marketed by Merck, Zocor® is a popular statin and promoted as a medication to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke among patients with heart disease and diabetes. Despite this benefit, the dangers of this drug began to surface in the early 2000s. Zocor® has been charged with causing pain, weakness, liver damage and rhabodomyolysis and myopathy or structural muscle damage. In 2002, Merck was forced by the FDA to add these health warnings to the drug label.
Medical experts warn that users should never take this drug before undergoing major surgery. It also increases the chance of muscle damage when combined with a number of other medications. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk before you begin taking this statin.