Potentially Dangerous Cholesterol Drugs
These days, there are drugs available to cure or treat almost any physical health problem that a person may encounter, from heart disease to hair loss. One of the most popular types of drugs on the market are cholesterol medications. There has been a recent shift in the United States, causing people to be concerned about heart disease and ways to prevent it. Most people are well aware of the links between high cholesterol, heart disease, and heart attacks, and they are looking for the easiest methods available to manage these problems. With the flood of different medicines on the market, you have to be careful about the choices you make. There are countless potentially dangerous cholesterol lowering drugs on the market. Although drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) go through a rigorous screening process, there have been many occurrences of FDA approved drugs that have still caused illnesses, injuries, and life-threatening hazards. For those less fortunate, the side effects have been fatal.
One such potentially dangerous cholesterol drug is Crestor. Crestor is a statin drug proven to be associated with muscle degenerative disorders. Kidney failure has also been reported in some individuals who have taken Crestor. When muscle fibers are broken down, a substance called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. Normal concentration of the substance is harmless. However, when the substance becomes abundant within the body, the kidneys are overworked, as they cannot filter it efficiently. Consequently, kidney damage or complete debilitation of the organs is the end result. Despite its harmful side effects, Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, makers of the drug, have yet to withdraw the item from the market. Instead, they have added more distinctive warnings on packages and have provided more specific dosage information to doctors. Nevertheless, advocates for banning the drug are still petitioning for its recall. The FDA continues to reject these petitions.
Baycol is another life-threatening drug, also falling in the statin class. Its adverse effects are similar to that of Crestor. Many patients are diagnosed with muscle degenerative diseases, as well as epilepsy, kidney disease, liver disease, and other weaknesses. Studies have revealed that Baycol patients were 10 percent more likely to develop a muscle debilitating disorder from use of this drugs when compared to other statin medications. Because Bayer, the makers of Baycol, were facing nearly 3,000 lawsuits by 2005 as a result of this hazardous drug, Baycol was voluntarily withdrawn from the market. However, similar drugs have since been released for public use and are equally life-threatening. Other drugs you should be aware of that pose similar threats are Zocor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol, and Mevacor. Be sure to discuss all medical conditions and other medications you are taking with your doctor. When mixed with other drugs, the risks of developing illnesses from these medications increases.
If your doctor believes that your cholesterol medications are responsible for your illness, or if a spouse's death can be linked to these drugs, you should speak with an attorney. Only an attorney can help you assess whether or not you have a feasible case for liability. It is best to locate an individual with past experience managing pharmaceutical cases. However, a personal injury or product liability attorney may also be suitable. More importantly, you must address the attorney's reliability and reputation, as well as success he or she may have had with past lawsuits.
When you locate an attorney, set up a consultation meeting to discuss the matter. Most of the time, initial consultations are free of charge. At the meeting, your attorney can decide whether or not your case is worth pursuing. Therefore, it is best to come prepared. Locate all documents concerning you claim, including medical records, doctor bills, hospitalization paperwork, and lost wages. Your attorney can look into your medical history in depth, and assess any evidence to your claim. Your lawyer can also walk you through litigation processes, guaranteeing you are well-informed during all legal matters. Depending on the degree of illnesses suffered, you may be entitled to compensation that goes well beyond medical expenses. Anytime you have been put at risk as a result of an inadequate medication, it is your right to take necessary legal action.
