Cholesterol Drug Zocor Linked to Serious and Life Threatening Conditions

Statins are drugs commonly prescribed by doctors to help patients lower their cholesterol. The synthetic statin Zocor sold by Merck had been on the market since 1991, and since 2006, Zocor has also been marketed under the name Simvastatin in generic form.

Zocor, especially in higher doses, has been linked to serious and life-threatening medical conditions such as rhabdomyolysis (the rapid deterioration of muscle tissue). The most common symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:

• Muscle pain
• Muscle spasms
• Cramps
• Muscle stiffness and tenderness

The deterioration of muscle tissue can lead to severe kidney damage as the kidneys struggle to filter out the crumbling muscle fibers.

More than 24 million Americans have been prescribed Zocor, and the number of people suffering due to Zocor side effects like rhabdomyolysis is substantial.

If you or a loved one feel that you are suffering due to a side effect of Zocor, you are strongly advised to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Zocor

Lawsuits

The risk of muscle problems associated with Zocor and other such drugs, known as statins, has been noted for some time. Even so, it has become evident that the risk may be considerably greater when Zocor is taken in 80 mg doses. Unfortunately for many, Zocor neglected to adequately warn the public of this increased risk.

In June 2011, the FDA asked doctors in the U.S. to stop prescribing 80 mg doses of Simvastatin to new patients because of the increased risk of side effects at those levels. The FDA also pointed out that the 80 mg doses of Zocor have the highest rate of muscle injury of all statin drugs and advised that it only be prescribed for patients who have already been taken 80 mg doses of Simvastatin for at least 12 months without any side effects.

Despite the fact that information regarding the risk of muscle problems associated with the use of Simvastatin is printed on the label, Zocor failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of the increased of the risks when Zocor is taken in 80 mg doses.

Zocor made a decision to place more value on profits rather than the safety of those who use its products by continuing to make and market the 80 mg doses of Simvastatin without sufficiently warning the public.

As a result, if you have suffered muscle damage or kidney failure after using Zocor, you may be able to obtain compensation by filing a Zocor rhabdomyolysis lawsuit. To find out if you are eligible to file a lawsuit against Zocor, consult with an experienced attorney.

Contact an Experienced Pharmaceutical Lawyer

If you have been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious and potentially fatal muscle condition, after taking an 80 mg dose of Simvastatin, you may be entitled to compensation through a Zocor lawsuit.

The laws governing Zocor lawsuits are complex and ever changing and not everyone is entitled to file a claim. To find out if you are eligible to file a lawsuit, consult with an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer for professional advice about Zocor lawsuits.