The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in 2004 showing that the risk of developing Rhabdomyolysis from the use of Baycol combined with gemfibrozil was 10 times higher than for other statins. The study also showed that approximately 1 in 10 patients would develop rhabdomyolysis.
FDA & Baycol Market Withdrawal
Baycol was removed from the US market in August 2001. At the time, the Food & Drug Administration reported that they had received 31 reports of Baycol induced Rhabdomyolysis.
Since the original Baycol market withdrawal, there have been over 100 rhabdomyolysis related deaths and another 385 nonfatal cases of rhabdomyolysis.
Mayo Clinic: Baycol Link to Rhabdomyolysis
Gerald Gau, M.D. was recently asked the questions, How do you know if you have rhabdomyolysis from statin use? Can statins cause other serious side effects? Dr. Gau’s answer is as follows:
At high doses, statin medications can impair the production of certain proteins involved in muscle metabolism and function. Uncommonly, this can result in muscle pain and tenderness — a condition known as statin myopathy. If you notice moderate muscle aching, stop taking your statin medication and contact your doctor. Muscle aching usually goes away within a couple of weeks after stopping the statin drug.
In severe cases, statins may cause muscle cells to break down. This rare but potentially life-threatening side effect is known as rhabdomyolysis. The most common signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:
- Severe muscle aching throughout the entire body
- Muscle weakness
- Dark or cola-colored urine
The higher the dose of statins, the higher the risk of rhabdomyolysis. The risk also increases if certain drugs — including cyclosporine and gemfibrozil (Lopid) — are taken in combination with statins.
If you have signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, stop taking your statin medication immediately and seek medical treatment right away. If necessary, your doctor may take steps to help prevent kidney damage and other complications.
Do I Have a Baycol Rhabdomyolysis Lawsuit?
Schmidt & Clark is handling Baycol induced Rhabdomyolysis, kidney damage/failure and death lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or a loved one have developed any of the aforementioned side effects after taking Baycol, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Baycol lawsuit.
Please use the form below or contact us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 879-3040. We look forward to helping you.
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