Baycol

Rhabdomyolysis and Other Side Effects

Baycol ® (also called cerivastatin) was pulled from the market by the FDA because it has been linked to at least 100 deaths. Baycol ® a cholesterol-lowering drug which may reduce patients' risk of heart attack, was taken by nearly 700,000 Americans. FDA physicians have linked the drug to rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle side effect which destroys muscle tissue and releases it into the bloodstream. Most commonly, patients suffer severe muscle pain concentrated in the lower back and calf muscles. In the most severe cases, it leads to kidney failure and death.

Baycol Facts

Baycol ® accounted for 3.5% of the market share of anti-hypercholesterolemia drugs in the U.S. Such cholesterol limiting drugs are one of the fast-growing segments of the drug industry with sales expected to hit $20-25 billion by 2005 from $14 billion in 2000.

Baycol ® is a statin, which is a cholesterol lowering drug that helps reduce the the likelihood of heart attacks. Other statins include Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Lipitor, and Lescol.

Baycol Lawsuits

Several lawsuits have already been filed against Bayer by the victims of Baycol ® related injuries. Such lawsuits include claims for failure to warn, strict liability, negligence, and breach of warrantee. The damages being sought against Bayer Corporation include compensation for physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings and earning capacity.

Note - Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.

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