Pfizer - cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor maker - was charged that the company deceived the public by failing to warn doctors and patients of the drug's side effects. Patients taking Lipitor - the best-selling cholesterol medicine in the world - began suing Pfizer, alleging that the negative side effects such as muscle pain, nerve damage, nightmares, memory loss and other central nervous system problems were not explained properly when the drug was prescribed.
These lawsuits charge that Pfizer has apparently engaged in a campaign of misinformation, and covered up Lipitor's more serious side effects and promoted the drug at any cost. The sales of Lipitor exceeded $12 billion in 2005. Pfizer advertised safety and effectiveness of Lipitor. But lawsuits do not seek to dispute the drug's effectiveness, but rather its safety.