Baycol Attorney - Minneapolis, Minnesota; Wisconsin

Baycol Recall - Background

Baycol is a prescription drug designed, like other Statin Class drugs, to lower cholesterol. Baycol was manufactured by Bayer A.G. Pharmaceutical. Statins like Baycol, effectively reduce cholesterol levels in the body by blocking the enzymes in the body that are responsible for the production of cholesterol. Though effective at reducing cholesterol, unfortunately Baycol also had severe side effects for many that used the drug.

Statin drugs have been proven to cause muscle cell damage and a more advanced condition stemming from muscle damage called Rhabdomyolysis. This condition is characterized by a breakdown of a large amount of skeletal muscle cells. These cell particles travel through the bloodstream to the kidneys, which attempt to filter the cells from the blood. Some of these cell particles are toxic to the kidneys and can eventually lead to kidney failure and death.

Rhabdomyolysis is often associated with muscle soreness, stiffness, weakness, and joint stiffness.

Rhabdomyolysis is very rare, but patients who used Baycol consistently suffered from unusually high instances of the condition. The makers of Baycol tried to alter the recommended dosage of the drug to lessen the instances of Rhabdomyolysis in patients. This was not as effective as Bayer Pharmaceuticals would have hoped.Baycol litigation - Minneapolis, Minnesota; Wisconsin

After more than 30 Rhabdomyolysis-related deaths were reported from those who had used Baycol, Bayer Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled Baycol from the market. This was too late for many who suffered muscle damage from the drug. Since so many people were prescribed the popular drug, thousands of Baycol lawsuits have been filed.

Vioxx
Millions of arthritis victims hailed the 1999 release of Vioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, as a miracle. The drug proved highly effective for managing acute forms of pain, and in 2000, a clinical trial was begun to study its ability to prevent recurring colon polyps. While Vioxx was found to successfully prevent the formation of new polyps, after 18 months, a significant number of the patients in the study developed cardiovascular problems. Twice as many Vioxx recipients suffered strokes, heart attacks or blood clots as those patients who received placebos.

While Merck & Co., manufacturer of Vioxx, claims the risks posed by long term use of Vioxx are relatively low, on September 30, 2004 the company chose to voluntarily halt the clinical trial and remove the drug from pharmacies worldwide. With as many as 80 million users worldwide, the Vioxx travesty is considered one of the largest in history. Merck's decision to remove Vioxx from pharmacies is a relief, but for people who have used the medication since it was released five years ago, this action came too late. If you or a loved one has been injured or endured a cardiovascular event as a result of taking Vioxx, contact our lawyers immediately for a consultation.

Celebrex
A popular arthritis drug, Celebrex is a member of a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors. These drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but unlike ibuprofen and aspirin, COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex block only the COX-2 enzyme that causes pain. Previous NSAIDs have also blocked COX-1, which helps maintain the stomach's protective lining. As a result, Celebrex and other COX-2 inhibitors are thought to be less likely to cause ulcers and other stomach problems. Celebrex is typically used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is co-marketed by Pharmacia and Pfizer, Inc.

Although Celebrex is still available, recent studies have brought its safety into question. The FDA has denied Celebrex's request to remove warnings about stomach ulcers from its label, in part because taking Celebrex in combination with aspirin (used to reduce a person's risk of heart attack) actually increased a patient's risk of stomach ulcer. Studies have not definitively shown that Celebrex poses a lower risk of ulcer than other NSAIDs even when taken alone. More than 10 deaths from gastrointestinal complications have occurred among Celebrex patients. There have also been reports of kidney and liver damage. In addition, studies have found an increased risk of heart attack among people taking Vioxx, a drug similar to Celebrex. As a result, concerns have been raised about Celebrex's possible cardiovascular effects as well.

If you or a loved one has been injured by Celebrex, please contact us today!

Bextra
Bextra is a powerful pain relief medication frequently prescribed to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and menstrual cramps. A COX-2 inhibitor, Bextra is often touted as being gentler on the stomach than other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil and Aleve. However, no conclusive evidence has been found to back up this claim, and, like other COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, Bextra has been found to cause many serious side effects and is currently being considered for a recall.

Those taking Bextra have reported stomach discomfort, indigestion, headache, upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, nausea, and tarry stools. Others have experienced more serious disorders, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, bloody vomit, and severe allergic reactions - including facial swelling, skin inflammation or irritation, and breathing problems. If you have experienced any of these adverse effects, discontinue use of Bextra immediately and consult your physician.

Bextra is NOT recommended for use by that those suffering from asthma, fluid retention, and various forms of heart and kidney disease, due to potentially life-threatening side effects that could result. However, Bextra continues to be prescribed even as it its safety is continually being questioned.

If you or a loved one became ill as a result of using Bextra, our attorneys can help. Contact us today and we will carefully review your case and discuss your right to compensation.

If you or a loved one are in Wisconsin or Minnesota and have suffered as a result of the defective drug Baycol, please contact Baycol recall attorney John Murrin. Mr. Murrin is a Baycol litigation lawyer in Minneapolis with experience in the realm of pursuing a Baycol lawsuit in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Baycol litigation attorney, John Murrin practices in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is dedicated to helping those who have suffered from the defective drug Baycol.
He is a lawyer with the experience to successfully pursue your Baycol lawsuit in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Personal Injury