The liver is responsible for a number of important bodily functions, including digestion, protein synthesis and detoxification. The liver produces and secretes bile which assists in the digestion of fats, changes harmful chemicals into harmless ones, and produces important substances like proteins. When pharmaceutical drugs interfere with the liver's functioning, severe liver damage may occur. Common symptoms of liver damage include:
Liver dialysis can sometimes provide short-term benefits for patients with liver damage, but there is currently no way to compensate for the absence of a functioning liver. Unfortunately, some patients with liver damage may require a liver transplant if deterioration of the liver progresses. Historically, mortality associated with liver damage has been in excess of 80%. In recent years, advances in medical support for liver damage have improved chances of survival significantly. Currently, overall short-term survival with transplant is 65%.
According to researchers, Crestor has the poorest safety profile of the top three most frequently prescribed statin drugs on the market. In 2005, the FDA issued a public health advisory warning patients and healthcare professionals about the increased risk of kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis, or severe muscle damage, in patients taking Crestor or other statin drugs. In response to Crestor side effect information, the FDA required AstraZeneca to update the Crestor warning label to include the risk of muscle damage and the possible effects it may have on the kidneys.
Researchers have indicated that most patients with elevated cholesterol have only mild or moderate elevations, which require only modest doses of statin drugs like Crestor. However, the standard starting dosage for Crestor is so high that AstraZeneca claims the drug can reduce bad cholesterol by 46-52%, when most patients require only a 20-30% reduction. Experts fear that even the standard doses of Crestor may expose patients to unnecessarily high doses of the drug, potentially resulting in serious side effects.
Liver damage is extremely dangerous and can even be life-threatening. If you or a loved one has suffered from a side effect which you believe to be linked to the cholesterol drug, Crestor, contact a Crestor attorney to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, which you can collect by filing a Crestor lawsuit against AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. You are not at fault for any injuries caused by a dangerous pharmaceutical drug, and you should not be held accountable for any resulting consequences. Pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca are responsible for the safety of their medications, and should be held liable for any adverse side effects sustained by consumers of their products. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. With the help of an experienced Crestor lawyer, victims of alleged Crestor side effects can protect their rights and collect the compensation they deserve.
Side Effects RX is an informational website that educates consumers on side effects that could have been caused by drugs and medical devices. This website has no relationship with any of the aforementioned drugs, pharmaceutical companies or medical device companies. SideEffectsRx.com was not written by medical professionals and should not be mistaken for medical advice. The purpose of this site is to inform consumers of the potential for side effects in certain drugs and medical devices. *This is a Consumer Justice Foundation website. We are not attorneys. Our relationships around the country ensure your lawsuit claim will reach an attorney immediately.