|
Notice: This website is intended to provide general information about the the drug Baycol, also known as Cerivastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug, recently withdrawn from United States markets because of reports of fatal rhabdomyolysis [More on rhabdomyolysis] side effects, a severe muscle adverse reaction linked to the drug Baycol. This website does not claim to be complete in its discussion of the diagnosis, treatment and causes of rhabdomyolysis. The content of this web site has not been prepared or endorsed by any physicians or other licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this site is simply to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to other resources, which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an attorney for legal advice. If you think that you have any of the symptoms related to rhabdomyolysis you should contact a doctor immediately. If you have been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and took the drug Baycol you may be entitled to monetary compensation.
Baycol, also known as Cerivastatin is cholesterol lowering drug, recently withdrawn from United States markets because of reports of fatal rhabdomyolysis [More on rhabdomyolysis] side effects, a severe muscle adverse reaction of the drug Baycol.
Baycol and Lipobay, generically known as Cerivastatin [More on Cerivastatin], were prescribed for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, (elevated cholesterol levels) which is a known risk factor for heart attack and coronary artery disease.
On August 8, 2001 the FDA announced that Bayer Pharmaceutical Division will be voluntarily withdrawing Baycol (Cerivastatin) (also marketed under the name Lipobay) from markets in the United States. This shocking announcement came after numerous reports of sometimes fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle adverse reaction linked to their cholesterol-lowering product Baycol. The FDA agrees with and supports this decision.
>> More on the Baycol Recall
>> Click here to find lawyers handling Baycol claims
Bayer Corporation's Pharmaceutical Division, headquartered in West Haven, Connecticut, voluntarily withdrew Baycol from the U.S. market after reports of 31 deaths associated with use of Baycol in the United States. The cause of death was identified as rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a severe muscle reaction that has been associated with the use of statins. According to published information, the incidence of fatal rhabdomyolysis was significantly higher for Baycol users than for users of other cholesterol-lowering medications.
In 12 of the 31 cases, the victims were taking Baycol /baycol_side_effects in combination with gemfibrozil (Lopid), another lipid-reducing medication. Although Bayer reportedly warned against the concomitant use of Baycol and gemfibrozil by adding new warnings to its Baycol labels and Baycol package inserts, the incidence of rhabdomyolysis continued.
Although, Bayer had knowledge of rhabdomyolysis causing death and kidney failure in Baycol users, as early as January 2000, Bayer sought approval of higher dosages of the drug from the FDA. Bayer continued to seek higher dosages despite repeated reports of rhabdomyolysis deaths from their product. Many Baycol victims have filed suit in state and federal courts.
>> Click here to find lawyers handling Baycol claims
>> Click here for more information on Baycol lawsuits
Rhabdomyolysis is a muscle breakdown disorder where a breakdown of muscle fibers cause leakage of potentially toxic cellular contents into the systemic circulation. The final common pathway of rhabdomyolysis may be a disturbance in myocyte calcium homeostasis.
Rhabdomyolysis breaks down muscle components to be released into the blood circulation and detectable as an elevated CK level, usually five times higher than normal. These cells contain myoglobin, a toxic substance consisting of an iron containing pigment which the kidneys will try to remove from the blood stream reaction. The effects of Rhabdomyolysis may result in potentially life-threatening complications. Kidney failure can result when the myoglobin blocks or occludes the kidneys creating a toxic blockage resulting in kidney failure.
Baycol Rhabdomyolysis symptoms include muscle ache and or tenderness in the back muscles, legs and arms. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting and a general feeling of weakness. Severe rhabdomyolysis symptoms may include, intense muscle pain, weakness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea and vomiting. Rhabdomyolysis breaks down the muscle cells and releases the contents of the muscle cells into the blood stream.
>> Click here for additional information on Rhabdomyolysis.
>> Click here to find lawyers handling Baycol claims
The greatest risk of injury or death is from Baycol users who took it in combination with Lopid. Lopid is the trade name for Gemfibrozil, a fibrate. The two drugs alter blood fats in different ways. Other high risk groups include older patients and patients who were taking high doses of BAYCOL (.8 milligram dose). On January 18, 2002, Bayer announced that the estimated number of worldwide deaths linked to Baycol had risen to 100.
If you are taking Baycol you should consult with your physician about switching to an alternative medication to control your cholesterol levels. Patients taking Baycol who are experiencing muscle pain or are also taking gemfibrozil should discontinue Baycol immediately and consult their physician.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of taking the prescription medication Baycol, Cervistatin or Lipobay you should contact an attorney immediately. Click here to locate an attorney handing Baycol Claims.
>> Click here to find lawyers handling Baycol claims
If you are taking Baycol you should consult with your physician about switching to an alternative medication to control their cholesterol levels. Patients taking Baycol who are experiencing muscle pain or are also taking gemfibrozil should discontinue Baycol immediately and consult their physician.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of taking the prescription medication Baycol, Cervistatin or Lipobay you should contact an attorney immediately. Click here to locate an attorney handing Baycol Claims.
>> Click here to find lawyers handling Baycol claims
|
