Baycol Litigation
Alley, Clark & Greiwe is currently investigating claims on behalf of clients from throughout the State of Florida who have suffered serious health problems as a result of their ingestion of Baycol or other cholesterol-lowering drugs. If you or a loved one have taken Baycol and believe that you have been injured, please contact us for a free consultation regarding your legal rights. There are statutes of limitations that have already begun with respect to your claim, so please do not delay in taking steps to protect your right to pursue a claim.
What is Baycol?
Baycol, also known as cerivastatin, is a drug used to lower cholesterol levels. This drug was recalled in the United States and most international markets on August 8, 2001, by its manufacturer, Bayer. Baycol is a member of the class of statin drugs (which also includes Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor, Mevacor, Lescol, all of which still remain on the market). Statin drugs lower cholesterol levels by blocking an enzyme that processes cholesterol in the body. Baycol was taken by an estimated 700,000 Americans since its introduction in 1997. Bayer had sales of $636 million for this drug in 2000 and projected that 2001 sales would exceed $1 billion.
What health problems have been associated with Baycol?
A rare syndrome called rhabdomyolysis has been associated with the use of all statin drugs. However, Baycol is the only drug that has been removed from the market, as Baycol has been implicated in a significantly higher number of deaths from this syndrome. Some reports indicate that this rare syndrome may be 10 times more likely to occur in users of Baycol, especially those taking Lopid (or gemfibrozil) at the same time or those taking a higher dose of Baycol. Rhabdomyolysis is a very rare condition where the drug causes serious muscle damage. These damaged muscles release myoglobin into the bloodstream which is filtered by the kidneys. The myoglobin can block the kidneys causing acute tubular necrosis or kidney failure. In addition, damaged or necrotic muscle tissue can cause fluid overload in the body which can also lead to kidney damage or shock. The syndrome can be fatal, and at least 31 patients are believed to have died after suffering this syndrome due to their ingestion of Baycol.
What symptoms should I be concerned about?
Please keep in mind that rhabdomyolysis is a very rare syndrome. As with all statin drugs, you should immediately report to your doctor any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Passing of dark urine
In light of the recall, the FDA has recommended that all patients taking Baycol contact their physicians to discuss alternative medications to treat their conditions. Any patients with symptoms should also immediately contact their physician for further evaluation.
Where can I get more information about the Baycol recall?
Please contact the Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys at Alley, Clark & Greiwe, and we will be happy to send you information about our firm and the Baycol recall.
