Recent medical studies have uncovered significant evidence linking the long-term use of statin drugs, such as Crestor, to cardiomyopathy – a serious deterioration of the heart muscle.
Crestor and other statin drugs are typically prescribed to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in patients, while simultaneously raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol and reducing the build-up of plaque in the arteries. However, as a side effect, these drugs also reduce levels of an important bodily chemical that is key to proper muscle function. By doing this, Crestor can interfere with the proper function of the heart.
Doctors are calling for the FDA to require the manufacturers of Crestor and other statin drugs to provide new clinical studies and issue specific warnings with their products. Without this information, patients who have been prescribed statin drugs for long-term use may suffer from cardiomyopathy and other side effects without being made sufficiently aware of these potentially serious effects. Many patients are now pursuing compensation for medical bills and other damages associated with injuries induced by Crestor.
The Effects of Long-Term Statin Drug Use
Cardiomyopathy decreases the heart’s ability to pump blood through the body, leading to dangerous complications, including:
- Liver dysfunction
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Fluid build-up in the lungs or legs
- General muscle myopathy
- Skeletal muscle myopathy
The incidence of these effects increases as dosages are increased.
A History of Controversy
Issues with the use of Crestor and other statin drugs are not new. Before Crestor was approved by the FDA in 2003, a doctor named Sidney Wolfe urged the FDA not to approve it, citing the risk of kidney failure and the fact that it needed more clinical trials – especially as Crestor had not been proven to lower the number of heart attacks and strokes due to high cholesterol, even though three other statin drugs already on the market had shown this benefit.
A mere five months after its approval, Crestor was already being linked to several cases of life-threatening kidney failure and muscle damage. A consumer protection group called Public Citizen called for Crestor to be banned in 2004. Unfortunately, despite early and continuing controversy, Crestor continues to be in wide use by patients who suffer from high cholesterol.
Since the manufacturer of Crestor has failed to provide accurate warnings or sufficient clinical studies, patients who have suffered cardiomyopathy and other medical problems due to the use of Crestor may seek to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have suffered heart problems or other medical issues because of Crestor, consult with an experienced pharmaceutical injury attorney in your area today.
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