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Baycol is a prescription drug designed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack. Baycol is manufactured and distributed by Bayer Pharmaceutical, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997. On August 8, 2001, the Food and Drug Administration and Bayer Pharmaceutical halted sales of this cholesterol-lowering drug, which has been taken by approximately 700,000 Americans, due to a link between the drug and 31 deaths in the U.S.
Baycol is one of the family of drugs known as statins. Statins have been known to cause a rare muscular disorder known as rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition that destroys muscle cells, which are then released into the bloodstream. This condition can result in severe muscular pain, often in the calves and lower back, and has caused fatal kidney failure. While other statins, such as Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol and Lescol have been linked to rare reports of rhabdomyolysis, the use of Baycol has reportedly resulted in significantly more fatal cases that these other statins. Fatal rhabdomyolysis associated with Baycol has been reported most frequently when Baycol is used at higher doses, when used in elderly patients, and particularly, when used in combination with gemfibrozil (LOPID and generics), another lipid lowering drug. n
In a letter detailing the scope of the recall, E. Paul MacCarthy, M.D., Bayer's Vice President, Head U.S. Medical Science, wrote:
"Rhabdomyolysis is a serious, potentially fatal, adverse effect of all statin drugs, including Baycol. It can occur with statin monotherapy, though the risk appears to be increased significantly by concomitant use of gemfibrozil (Lopid). Our ongoing scrutiny of post marketing reports of rhabdomyolysis, including fatalities, has revealed an increased reporting rate of rhabdomyolysis with Baycol relative to other statins, especially when gemfibrozil is co-prescribed. These data also suggest an increased reporting rate of rhabdomyolysis at the 0.8 mg dose of Baycol alone...Effective immediately, Bayer has discontinued the marketing and distribution of all dosage strengths of Baycol. Patients who are currently taking Baycol should have their Baycol discontinued and be switched to an alternative therapy."
A lawyer with experience in mass torts, toxic torts and pharmaceutical recalls can help "level the playing field" by providing individuals who have taken drugs such as Baycol with information regarding the practical and legal aspects of personal injury law and pharmaceutical recalls. For a review of your claim, please click the "Report Your Case" button and completely fill out the form provided, call (866) 529-8373, or contact us by e-mail.
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