Popular Statin Drug Lipitor causes Type II Diabetes in Women
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Some women taking Lipitor (atorvastatin) for high cholesterol problems developed type II diabetes, an unexpected side effect of the medication.
Lipitor Fails Users Who Trusted the Safety of the Drug
Sometimes, diet and exercise aren’t enough to reduce cholesterol levels for some women. The body simply fights all natural efforts to lower production, creating health risks such as atherosclerosis. As a result, doctors prescribe Lipitor, part of the family of hypolipidemic drugs. Lipitor inhibits the liver from producing an enzyme that increases LDLs (low density lipids) that are responsible for blocking arteries. In turn, the chances of having a heart attack or stroke from blockages are greatly reduced.
However, this life improving drug wound up causing more misery for a certain group of women who took it. It was found that peri- and post-menopausal women were at a higher risk of developing type II diabetes, even if they had no prior risk factors for the disease. The results of the studies first started showing up in 2010, 14 years after Lipitor became available. The side-effect of type II diabetes wasn’t solidly confirmed until the end of a seven-year study in 2012. That study showed women in the risk group are at a 50 percent higher chance of developing the disease than those who were not.
That means half of all women in the peri- and post-menopause group taking Lipitor are going to develop a life-altering condition that is almost irreversible.
The Signs That You may be Developing Type II Diabetes
There is no known reason why taking Lipitor causes diabetes. All that is understood is that Lipitor disrupts the metabolic function in the body for the risk group, allowing diabetes to take root.
If you are taking Lipitor, be aware of the following signs for diabetes:
◦Vision is blurry, or beginning to blur
◦Unexplainable weight gains or losses
◦Symptoms of nausea, vomiting possible
◦Constantly feeling tired or fatigued
◦Appetite and thirst become excessive
◦Increased instances of vaginal and yeast infections in women
◦Sores or cuts that are slow to heal
◦Mouth feels dry
◦Skin itches, especially in the groin or vaginal region
Diabetes can also affect your breath to the point where it tastes sweet and smells like acetone/nail polish remover. Respiration may be rapid and deep, as if you are out of breath constantly.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms while taking Lipitor, contact your physician immediately.
