• What is Baycol and why was it recalled?
• What are the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?
• Are all statins fatal?
• What should I do if I’ve been taking Baycol?
• What kind of legal action should I take?
• Will I be suing my doctor?
• Do I have to pay for legal services?
• How do I know which law firm to retain?
• What is Baycol and why was it recalled?
Baycol, which is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceutical, belongs to a family of drugs called statins. Statins inhibit the liver enzyme hMG CoA reductase, which is used in the manufacture of cholesterol. They are most commonly prescribed to lower patients’ cholesterol levels and to promote the health of the heart. Although over 8 million Americans currently take them, statins have been discovered to have adverse side effects, primarily to the kidneys. The kidney is the organ most vulnerable to the effects of Baycol, when toxins are released in the bloodstream due to the breakdown of muscles. Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal disease where muscle cells are destroyed and then released into the blood stream, is also of concern. While all statins have been connected with rhabdomyolysis, only Baycol has been associated with fatal results. Following the deaths of 31 individuals who were taking Baycol, and under pressure from consumer advocacy groups, Bayer recalled Baycol in August of 2001.
• What are the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?
Individuals suffering from rhabdomyolysis commonly have muscle pain, which is often severe. This pain often occurs in the lower back and calves, as well as in the thigh and the upper extremities. Pain in the joints is also common. Patients may experience abnormally dark urine, general muscle tenderness and weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, and persistent headache. Symptoms may manifest themselves almost immediately upon exposure to Baycol, or may take more time to develop, depending on the level of the dosage and the age and general health of the patient. In severe cases, the break down of muscle cells can be toxic, resulting in the destruction of the kidneys and other organs, thus releasing high levels of proteins into the bloodstream.
• Are all statins fatal?
While all statins have been linked to rhabdomyolysis, only Baycol has had fatalities associated with it. Around 700,000 Americans were taking Baycol when Bayer recalled it on August 8, 2001. Baycol has been found to be responsible for 31 deaths of individuals who had been taking the drug. Not all patients who have taken Baycol develop rhabdomyolysis, and it is fatal only in a small percentage of those who do. However, it is wise to consult with your doctor if you feel you are suffering from any of the above symptoms.
• What should I do if I’ve been taking Baycol?
Since Baycol has been recalled, stop taking it and inform your doctor. If you have noticed that you have severe lower back or calf pain, pain in your extremities and joints, nausea, vomiting, tenderness and weakness, a fever, dark urine, headaches, or fatigue, contact your doctor immediately. Since Baycol affects kidney and liver function, your doctor will probably run tests to check for possible damage, and might also choose to perform blood and urine tests. Certain medications may also have adverse side effects when combined with Baycol. These are Gemfibrozil, HMG-CoA Inhibitors, Erythromycin, Azole Anti-Fungals, immunosuppressive drugs, and nicotinic acid. If you have taken any of these in conjunction with Baycol, alert your physician.
• What kind of legal action should I take?
Weitz & Luxenberg is currently seeking to represent individual clients who have suffered significantly as a result of taking Baycol. This is not a class action suit, where many people who have been harmed by the same product sue the manufacturer as a group. Instead, if your injuries are significantly serious, Weitz and Luxenberg will represent your suit individually.
• Will I be suing my doctor?
It is unlikely you will file a suit against your physician. The primary liability claim is against Bayer, not a medical malpractice claim against your own doctor. The main legal issue relates to the defective product, in this case, Baycol, not to any negligence on your doctor’s part.
• Do I have to pay for legal services?
The firm of Weitz and Luxenberg accepts cases solely on a contingency basis. This means that you only have to pay the firm if our attorneys win financial compensation for you. If no money is awarded, you generally do not have to pay any fees to the firm at all. Costs and expenses may be payable at the conclusion of the case.
• How do I know which law firm to retain?
Weitz and Luxenberg practices in the areas of mass torts and product liability lawsuits. It has set the highest standard for successfully litigating mass tort claims and is highly experienced in national litigations. We are currently representing individuals in asbestos, Sulzer Hips, Propulsid, Rezulin, and Fen-Phen claims, among others. Staffed with more than 50 attorneys with a variety of specialties and decades of experience, Weitz and Luxenberg is uniquely suited to serve your best interests.
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