Statin Side Effects - Rhabdomyolysis

All statins have been linked to rhabdomyolysis, but Baycol had significantly more fatal cases of the muscle side effect. The reports of over 100 worldwide deaths were attributed to the cholesterol lowering drug Baycol, leading to the August 8, 2001 withdrawal. At the time of the Baycol recall Bayer executives refused to say how many rhabdomyolysis victims they had counted worldwide.

Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition that destroys muscle cells and releases them into the bloodstream. This results in severe muscle pain that is most often experienced in the calves and lower back. Other rhabdomyolysis side effects experiences can include tenderness, weakness, fever, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting. Rhabdomyolysis can become so serious that it can lead to fatal kidney failure.

The highest risk patients for suffering Baycol side effects like rhabdomyolysis are elderly patients, anyone combining Baycol with gemfibrozil, and those that used a high dose of Baycol. The deadly Baycol side effect had raised concern months prior to Bayer taking any action. High doses of Baycol was banned by British regulators and the FDA had considered taking the same steps until deciding Baycol sales should be completely stopped.