News this week about Lipitor:
More than 20 million Americans take cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins. These drugs, including the brand name Lipitor, have been linked to a high risk of Type 2 diabetes, especially in middle-aged and older women.
A study conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative of 150,000 postmenopausal women found that those taking a statin such as Lipitor were almost twice as likely to get a diabetes diagnosis. Studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and the Journal of the American Medical Association also reported a higher risk of diabetes for people taking statins.
The FDA has issued a warning about side effects of Lipitor, including the risk of diabetes. Data from large clinical trials reveal the danger of developing Type 2 diabetes from Lipitor is particularly high in women with existing risk factors including:
High blood sugar
Elevated triglycerides (a type of blood fat)
High blood pressure
