Crestor is a drug that is used to treat high cholesterol conditions as well as the prevention of various types of heart disease. The generic name for Crestor is Rosuvastatin.
Crestor is in a class of drugs called statins. Crestor is usually prescribed to patients when exercise and changes and diet have been unsuccessful in changing cholesterol profiles. Crestor is a widely-prescribed drug.
It is the 4th best-selling drug in the United States. Similar to other statin drugs, Crestor is subject to various FDA regulations and product safety laws.
What are Statins?
Statins are drugs that are prescribed to lower an individual’s cholesterol levels in their blood. Some statins have been linked to various side effects.
The side effects of the statin will vary depending on the specific drug that was used. For example, some specific drugs increase statin diabetes by around 15 percent, including:
- Lipitor;
- Zocor; and
- Crestor.
Other statin side effects may include:
- Liver damage;
- Heart attack;
- Vomiting;
- Headache;
- Diarrhea;
- Weakness;
- Nausea;
- Rash;
- Constipation;
- Muscle pain; and
- Cardiomyopathy, or serious weakening of the heart muscles.
Because of these possible side effects and health risks, certain statins may be considered dangerous drugs. A dangerous drug is a prescription drug that causes injuries to the individual using the drug legally.
The individual who is using the drug must be taking it according to the prescription instruction given to them by the doctor and not be abusing the medication.
What are Some Health Dangers Associated with Crestor?
A physician has a duty to warn patients of any dangerous or serious side effects that are associated with certain drugs, including Crestor. Similar to other cholesterol and lipid-controlling drugs, Crestor users may experience side effects including:
- Constipation, heartburn, and other digestive issues;
- Dizziness, nausea, or insomnia;
- Joint pain and other physical pains; and
- Various psychological or cognitive symptoms, such as depression or memory loss.
In some rare cases, Crestor has been linked with more serious side effects, which may include:
- Fever and flu-like symptoms;
- Chest pain and cough;
- Abdominal pains; and
- Weakness and overall loss of energy.
Crestor has been linked to rare cases of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Myopathy is the weakness of muscle tissues.
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissues. These illnesses may be dangerous because of complications with the kidneys and other internal organs.
One of the signs of rhabdomyolysis includes very dark urine. An individual who is using Crestor should consult with their doctor regarding any contraindications and interactions with other drugs.
In addition, Asian individuals and East Asian individuals process the drug differently than others. They may often suffer the same effects as other individuals with just half the dosage or less.
Can I Hold a Physician Liable for Injuries from Crestor Side Effects?
In some cases, it may be possible to hold a physician liable for medical malpractice or negligence resulting in injury from using Crestor. For example, a physician may be held liable for a failure to warn a patient of possible risks of taking Crestor.
A doctor may also be held liable for the failure to properly monitor the patient or the failure to respond to warning signs or symptoms of illness. The manufacturer or distribution may also be held liable for Crestor injuries, especially if there is evidence of a defective product.
A Crestor lawsuit may result in a monetary damages award to compensate the victim or victims for their losses.
What are Statin Lawsuits?
A statin lawsuit may be filed on behalf of the victims who sustained injuries from taking the drug. These types of lawsuits are often based on a defective product claim.
A defective product is a type of product, for example, a prescription drug that causes injury due to a design defect, faulty labeling, or defective manufacturing. There are three elements that must be present for the plaintiff to have a successful statins defective product lawsuit:
- The statins had an unreasonably dangerous defect;
- This defect may include an increased risk of heart attack or diabetes;
- The defect in the drug caused the plaintiff to be injured when they used the drug the way it was intended to be used by the manufacturer;
- In other words, the plaintiff took the drug as prescribed by a medical professional;
- The statin drug was not changed substantially from the way it was originally sold by the manufacturer; and
- The plaintiff did not alter the statin drug in any way, such as dissolving it and adding it to a stomach medication or taking it under conditions that the plaintiff was told to avoid while taking it.
What Other Legal Theories are Involved in Statin Lawsuits?
Depending upon the type of incident or injury involved, there are other legal theories that may be used in a statin lawsuit. For example, some statin lawsuits may involve a medical malpractice theory of law.
This theory may be used if a doctor or other medical professional commits some form of negligence in relation to a statin product, such as:
- Prescribing statin medications to the wrong patient, for example, a patient who does not need the drugs in a prescription error;
- Prescribing the wrong dosage of statins to a patient; or
- Providing wrong instructions on how to take the medicine.
In addition, other parties may be held liable for malpractice, including:
What Can Limit My Damages in a Statins Lawsuit?
With a statin such as Crestor, if an individual alters the drug or takes it in a way that is not prescribed or permitted, they may greatly limit their chances of receiving damages. Although many products, including drugs and medications, are held to a high standard of strict liability, that does not mean that the manufacturer is always fully to blame.
If there is a specific way a patient should take a medication or use a product and they were warned to follow those instructions, then it is very likely that the individual may be found at least partially negligent if they did not follow the instructions. The outcome of these cases is always dependent upon the unique facts and circumstances of the case.
Some patients may take statins in the non-recommended way and they will not be hurt or affected. Other patients may take statins as they were directed and still be injured.
It is very important to follow the instructions for any product that an individual uses as well as to make sure that the item is not damaged in any way before using it.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Crestor Injuries?
Crestor is a widely prescribed drug and is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. It has been, however, linked to a number of side effects and reactions.
In some cases, these may be life-threatening. If you have been injured while taking Crestor, it may be helpful to consult with a class action attorney.
Your attorney can provide you with legal advice and research to help you with your claim. In addition, if you have to file a lawsuit for damages, your attorney will be able to represent you in a court of law.
Your attorney may be able to help negotiate a settlement to provide you with compensation for your injuries.
