Baycol, or cerivastatin, was voluntarily withdrawn from the U.S.
market on August 8, 2001, due to reports of severe and sometimes
fatal rhabdomyolysis. Introduced in the U.S. in 1997, Baycol is a
member of a class of drugs called "statins". Statins are prescribed
to patients to lower cholesterol levels by blocking the enzymes
involved in the production of cholesterol in the body.

Rhabdomyolysis is a severe adverse muscle reaction, usually
occurring in the calves or lower back. Common symptoms include:

-Muscle pain
-Weakness
-Tenderness
-Malaise
-Fever
-Dark Urine
-Nausea
-Vomiting

Fatal rhabdomyolysis is most frequently observed in cases
involving the following circumstances:

-Elderly patients
-High dosages
-Taken in conjunction with gemfibrozil (LOPID and
generics), another cholesterol lowering drug

The FDA estimates Baycol has been prescribed to approximately
700,000 Americans since its introduction. If you or a member of
your family has experienced side effects such as the ones listed
above, please call (800) 256 9400, or submit your claim on-line
using the form below.