Lipitor side effects linked to risk of brain hemorrhage
A recent study indicates that Lipitor side effects may increase the risk of a brain hemorrhage when used after a stroke. While the statin is effective in lowering the overall risk of a second stroke or heart attack, users who took Lipitor after a stroke or mini-stroke had a significant increase in the risk of a brain hemorrhage, especially if they had a prior brain hemorrhage.
The study was published last month in the on-line edition of the journal “Neurology”. Researchers reviewed data from a study known as the SPARCL trial (Stroke Prevention with Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels), which followed 4,731 people who had a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) within one to six months. Participants received either a placebo or a daily dose of 80 milligrams of Lipitor (atorvastatin), which is actually a higher dose than what is received by most people on statins.
Researchers found that during the average follow up of 4.5 years, Lipitor side effects caused a small but significant increase in the risk of a brain hemorrhage (2.3% among users of Lipitor, compared with 1.3% among those taking a placebo). If the users had a prior hemorrhagic stroke or severely high blood pressure they faced an even higher risk of a brain hemorrhage.
A brain hemorrhage, which is also known as a hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by weakened blood vessels in the brain which rupture, resulting in rapid bleeding on the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke differs from an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a disruption of the supply of blood to the brain due to an obstruction in the blood vessel.
As a result of the Lipitor brain hemorrhage risk, the researchers have recommended that individuals who have had a hemorrhagic stroke should not be given Lipitor or another statin to lower their cholesterol. However, they indicated that individuals who have not had a stroke or TIA (mini stroke) within the past six months do not have an increased risk of hemorrhage.
If you, a friend or family member have suffered a brain hemorrhage or hemorrhagic stroke which may have been caused by Lipitor side effects, request a free consultation.
