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Baycol
The FDA recently pulled Baycol (also called cerivastatin)
from the market 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
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. All statins have been connected with rhabdomyolysis,
a muscle damaging illness
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.
Baycol and Rhabdomyolysis
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