The FDA announced they will be adding labels to cholesterol lowering drugs, such as Lipitor, to indicate a possibility of raising blood sugar levels and causing memory loss. Statins including Lipitor, Crestor, and Zocor have shown their benefits in reducing cholesterol, but their side effects need to be taken into account, according to the FDA.
The FDA also said it has been aware for some time that statins may increase the risk of high blood sugar, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. The addition of the warning of cognitive effects will be added, but there have been very few reports of memory loss occurring and the effect is generally reversed when the patient stops taking the statin.
While these warnings have been added, the FDA has decided to remove the warning that patients taking these types of medications should have their liver enzymes monitored regularly.
Statins to lower cholesterol are taken by millions of people. Lipitor, which became available as a generic called atorvastatin is the best-selling prescription medicine globally with combined sales of more than $130 billion.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by these or other drugs, please contact an experienced drug liability attorney in your area today.