A growing number of women over the age of 50 are claiming that they developed Type II diabetes after taking Pfizer Inc.’s cholesterol drug Lipitor. They allege that Pfizer knew that Lipitor increased their risk of developing diabetes, but failed to warn them. Several lawsuits have already been filed against Pfizer, and plaintiffs are now seeking to consolidate their Lipitor diabetes lawsuits in MDL (multi-district litigation).
Motion Filed for Lipitor MDL
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer by a group of women who allege that Lipitor did not reduce their cholesterol and instead resulted in the development of Type II diabetes. They also allege that they now face an increased risk of heart disease, blindness, neuropathy, kidney disease and other health problems as a result of the diabetes caused by taking the drug.
According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who are between the ages of 50 and 79 with a BMI under 30 who took Lipitor had a 9.9% increased chance of developing Type II diabetes within nine years. This is one of several studies that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration relied upon when it required Pfizer to warn women of the increased risk of diabetes in 2012.
More Lipitor Diabetes Lawsuits Expected
Plaintiffs have filed a motion to consolidate all of the federal Lipitor diabetes lawsuits that are currently filed in U.S. District Courts across the nation before a single judge in South Carolina as part of the MDL. Oral arguments regarding the MDL are scheduled for July 2013.
More Lipitor diabetes injury lawsuits are expected to be filed against Pfizer over the next few months. The MDL would potentially help both sides in the discovery process by avoiding conflicting rulings from other courts. Unlike class action lawsuits, MDLs allow plaintiffs’ cases to be transferred back to their original filing courts if the process does not result in a settlement.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Type II diabetes after taking Lipitor, contact The Driscoll Firm, LLC, to discuss your situation, find out how the MDL might affect you and determine whether you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Pharmaceutical companies have an obligation to warn consumers about known risks. When they don’t, you can fight back – and we can help.
