Crestor (generic: rosuvastatin) is a prescription medication indicated to reduce the presence of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Subsequently, Crestor may assist in the prevention of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. Unfortunately, the introduction of Crestor for a prolonged period of time may result in catastrophic side effects. Patients who take Crestor may significantly increase their risk of developing life-threatening muscle damage, heart injury, and kidney failure.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury you feel may have been caused by Crestor, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Crestor Lawsuit Overview
As a product of AstraZeneca, Crestor was developed on August 12, 2003. Following necessary regulatory actions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of Crestor for the removal of cholesterol from the blood. Along with diet and exercise, Crestor can slow the progression of atherosclerosis, the progressive buildup of plaque in the arteries over time, as part of a treatment plan in adults to lower cholesterol levels.
Rosuvastatin, the active ingredient found in Crestor, belongs to a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). As a statin, rosuvastatin reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body. In doing so, Crestor prohibits the buildup of plaque and therefore may assist in the prevention of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications.
Unfortunately, the introduction of a statin such as Crestor may coincide with catastrophic complications. Patients who take Crestor may significantly increase their risk of developing life-threatening muscle damage, heart injury, and kidney failure. Due to the severity of these complications, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Crestor lawsuit.
Crestor Side Effects
The following is a comprehensive list of the severe side effects associated with Crestor use:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart attack
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiac death
- Kidney failure
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Death
Complications as severe as these may serve as a catalyst for future Crestor lawsuits against AstraZeneca.
Crestor and Cardiomyopathy
A 2009 study published in The Lancet found that statin drugs like Crestor have the potential to cause serious heart problems, including a life-threatening disease known as cardiomyopathy. According to the authors, the development of cardiomyopathy may be due to the “reduction in the concentration of coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone, which is known to be caused by statins.”
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens and enlarges your heart muscle. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy — dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive — all of which affect your heart muscle. This condition makes it harder for the heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood to the rest of the body. Therefore, resulting in severe, life-threatening complications. Signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Rapid heart beat
- Similar symptoms synonymous with heart complications
Diabetes Risk
Diabetes occurs because of defects in the body’s ability to produce or use insulin—a hormone needed to convert food into energy. If the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or if cells do not respond appropriately to insulin, blood sugar levels in the blood get too high, which can lead to serious health problems. According to a Consumer Update issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is an increased risk of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes in those who use statins such as Crestor.
Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is needed to move blood sugar (glucose) into cells, where it is stored and later used for energy.
When you have type 2 diabetes, your fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond correctly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. As a result, blood sugar does not get into these cells to be stored for energy. If treatment is neglected, diabetes may result in severe, life-threatening complications. The most severe of which may lead to kidney failure or damage.
Similar Statin Medications
The following is a comprehensive list of statins similar to that of Crestor:
- Altoprev (lovastatin extended-release)
- Lescol (fluvastatin)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Livalo (pitavastatin)
- Mevacor (lovastatin)
- Pravachol (pravastatin)
- Zocor (simvastatin).
Products containing statins in combination with other drugs include:
- Advicor (lovastatin/niacin extended-release)
- Simcor (simvastatin/niacin extended-release)
- Vytorin (simvastatin/ezetimibe).
Do I Have a Crestor Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Crestor lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Crestor, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.