At least 12 million Americans are taking a cholesterol-lowering drug, usually a statin. Pfizer's Lipitor is the undisputed market leader, accounting for $8 billion of the $13 billion worth of statins sold over the last year.
Statins are usually covered by prescription-drug insurance plans, but they are often placed in insurers' highest "tiers," requiring the highest co-pay. And many older Americans on Medicare, which has no prescription drug benefit, must pay out-of-pocket for the drugs.
Crestor appears to be even more dangerous than a close cousin, Baycol. When patients start taking Crestor, some will develop muscle and kidney problems.
Washington Post August 12, 2003; Page HE01