Baycol (cerivastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering drug distributed by Bayer Pharmaceutical, which was prescribed to hundreds of thousands of Americans. Baycol is one of an extraordinarily popular family of drugs called statins that dramatically lower cholesterol and reduce patients' risk of heart attacks.
However, every statin has been linked to very rare reports of the muscle side effect called rhabdomyolysis. Baycol has been pulled from the market after it was linked to dozens of deaths worldwide.
People suffering muscle pain who take any statins should report it to their doctors, because they may need a lower dose or a change in medication.
Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition in which muscle cells are destroyed and released into the bloodstream. It can cause severe muscle pain, most frequently in the calves and lower back, occasionally so severe that patients develop potentially fatal kidney failure.
Concerns about Baycol were around for months before action was taken to take this dangerous drug off the market. It has been argued that Bayer may be legally responsible to the victims of this drug’s effects.
If you or a loved one experienced serious side effects after taking Baycol, contact us today to determine if you may have a personal injury claim.