The Baycol Recall - How a Lawyer Can Help with a Baycol Lawsuit

What is Baycol?

Baycol is a prescription drug manufactured by Bayer A.G. Pharmaceutical. Baycol is grouped with the statins: drugs that lower cholesterol by blocking enzymes that are essential to the production of cholesterol in the body. Baycol is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels and therefore reducing the chances of a patient suffering a heart attack.

Baycol Side Effects

Statin drugs such as Baycol have been known to cause muscle cell damage and, in some cases, rhabdomyolysis - a muscle condition that can cause kidney failure. The occurrence of rhabdomyolysis is rarely fatal. However, rhabdomyolysis occurs ten times more often with Baycol and has lead to over 30 deaths. Combining Baycol with gemfibrozil, a drug that lowers triglyceride levels, further increases the level of risk for rhabdomyolysis.

Baycol Dosage and Rhabdomyolysis

After receiving reports of increased cases of serious rhabdomyolysis, Bayer recently adjusted the recommended dosage level of Baycol drug tablets for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Bayer claimed that patients were taking Baycol in doses not consistent with Baycol's product labeling and sent out a letter to doctors recommending that they more closely monitor their patients' doses. Bayer assumed that patients were to blame rather than Baycol, reaffirmed that proper use of Baycol was safe, and said that no serious side effects should occur.

Deaths Linked to Baycol

Bayer conducted a voluntary Baycol recall in August 8, 2001 as a result of 31 deaths linked to the popular medication for high cholesterol. In 1997, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Baycol for the purpose of lowering cholesterol, Bayer began to market the drug heavily. However, Bayer only acknowledged the increased risk of rhabdomyolysis posed by Baycol in May of 2001, and may have recommended lower dosages to avoid the inevitable Baycol recall.

Have You Used Baycol?

If you have taken Baycol, consult with a physician and ask about the option of replacing Baycol with another cholesterol lowering drug. Please visit our Baycol Frequently Asked Questions page for more helpful information.

Contact a Baycol Lawyer about a Lawsuit

You may be able to pursue a Baycol lawsuit if you were injured while taking this drug. A Baycol lawyer can review your situation and discuss your legal rights.

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