The U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced on August 8, 2001 that Bayer Pharmaceutical Division was voluntarily withdrawing Baycol (cerivastatin) from the US market because of reports of sometimes fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle adverse reaction from this cholesterol-lowering (lipid-lowering) product.

Fatal rhabdomyolysis cases with Baycol have been reported most frequently when used at higher doses, when used in elderly patients, and particularly, when used in combination with gemfibrozil (LOPID and generics), another lipid lowering drug. FDA has received reports of 31 US deaths due to severe rhabdomyolysis associated with use of Baycol, 12 of which involved concomitant gemfibrozil use.

The FDA has advised patients who are taking Baycol to consult with their physicians about switching to alternate medications to control their cholesterol levels. The FDA further recommends that patients taking Baycol who are experiencing muscle pain or are also taking gemfibrozil to discontinue Baycol immediately and consult their physician.

If you or a family member has taken Baycol, you should heed the advise of the FDA and consult with your doctor. If you would like to discuss any legal rights you may have as a result of taking this medication, call attorney Paul Wilkins at 1-877-569-8378, or contact us online.