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Baycol is a prescription drug manufactured by Bayer and
GlaxoSmithKline. It is also known as cerivastatin. The drug,
approved in 1999, was prescribed for elevated cholesterol. Known as
a "statin" drug, Baycol lowered cholesterol by reducing
the amount of cholesterol the body uses.
In late 1999, Bayer lowered the prescribed dosage for Baycol,
issuing additional warnings with regard to muscle aches and kidney
problems. In August 2001, however, Bayer voluntarily pulled Baycol
from the market after reports of rhabdomylosis - a sever adverse
muscle reaction. Rhabdomylosis can result in severe kidney damage
and death - led to 52 deaths. In 2002, the number of estimated
deaths associated with Baycol allegedly rose to 100.
Symptom of rhabdomylosis include muscle aches in backs, calves,
or the entire body. The pain might also be accompanied by dark
urine, general weakness, nausea, fever, and vomiting. The chance
that rhabdomylosis occur is much higher where Baycol is taken in
high doses or taken with another cholesterol lowering drug,
gemfebrozil. People who have taken or are taking Baycol, and are
experiencing symptoms of rhabdomylosis should consult their doctor.
In September 2002, Bayer began entering into settlements with law
firms representing injured Baycol users. Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline
are also currently facing lawsuits from thousands of people who took
Baycol or have relatives who died after taking the drug. A personal
injury case against Bayer just went to trial in Corpus Christi,
Texas. The plaintiff in that suit, Hollis Heltom, 82, is suing the
company for $100 million.
If you or a loved one took Baycol and have suffered from
rhabdomyolysis or any of its symptoms, now is the time to take
action. Contact an attorney to discuss the facts of your case and
help you evaluate your available options.
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