Baycol Claims Settled >
Brain Seizures Baycol
Baycol:
Is There a Correlation Between
Brain Seizures and Baycol?
Brain Seizures and Baycol - In
2003, there have been a number of Baycol claims settled in the U.S.
- These settlements have been involving injuries related to a condition
called rhabdomyolysis, which the patients developed after taking the
drug. Baycol is a prescription drug manufactured by Bayer A.G. Pharmaceutical.
Baycol (cerivastatin) was initially approved in the U.S. in 1997 to
treat patients with elevated cholesterol levels. Baycol belongs to
the family of drugs reffered to as statins: Statins lower cholesterol
by blocking a specific enzyme in the body that is involved in the
sythesis of cholesterol.
Baycol was recalled
on August 8, 2001 following the deaths of 31 patients taking the drug
in the U.S.. Fifty-two deaths had been reported worldwide. The deaths
had been caused by rhabdomyolysis, a muscle condition/ailment that
had been known to be a possible side effect of all statin drugs, however,
its incidence has been much higher and more serious among Baycol patients.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where the muscle cells are damaged,
thus releasing a pigment called myoglobin into the bloodstream. The
kidneys, being a filtering mechanism, suffer excessive stress in attempting
to filter the myoglobin out of the blood. Myoglobin breaks down into
potentially toxic compounds, which can also cause kidney failure.
According to
the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Encyclopedia,
symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:
abnormal urine
color (dark, red, or cola colored)
muscle tenderness
weakness of the affected muscle(s)
generalized weakness
muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia)
Additional
symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
weight gain (unintentional)
seizures
joint pain
fatigue
Under the definition
of seizures:
Definition
A seizure or convulsion
can be a sudden, violent, uncontrollable contraction of a group of
muscles. A seizure can also be more subtle, consisting of only a brief
"loss of contact" or a few moments of what appears to be
daydreaming.
Considerations
Any mild or major
seizure is caused by sudden abnormal function of the brain.
Whether or not
there is a correlation between brain seizures and Baycol in any particular
case would have to be determined individually. It would be of advantage
to contact an attorney who advertises having experience and knowledge
in Baycol litigations.
ref:
Julie Kay, "A Sudden Rush to Settle Suits Over Baycol" Miami
Daily Business Review - 2-26-2003
ref: U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Encyclopedia
