Baycol
One of the most popular cholesterol lowering drugs has been linked to serious side effects and over 100 deaths. Baycol has now been withdrawn from sale. Problems reported by patients who took Baycol include muscle pain, liver and kidney problems, and heart failure.
It is believed that Baycol gave rise to a rare muscle-wasting condition, rhabdomyolysis. This disease can lead to life-threatening kidney failure. Symptoms include muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, fever, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting. The pain may involve specific muscles or may be throughout the body. Most common are aches in the calves and lower back.
Vioxx
The use of Vioxx, a popular arthritis painkiller, is being questioned by the Food and Drug Administration because of a possible increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Kidney damage is another possible risk. The American Heart Association, the National Stroke Association and the Arthritis Foundation asked Vioxx' manufacturer, Merck & Co., to do further testing. The FDA Advisory Panel has suggested to Merck that Vioxx should carry a warning label.
If you or a family member is taking one of these medications, please discuss the potentially lethal side effects with your physician. If someone you know has experienced any of the symptoms described here, you can contact us at Hill Boren. Prompt action is required. We are currently investigating cases like these and would like to help you and your family.