The Food and Drug Administration has reported that more than 2 million Americans have been prescribed the high cholesterol and heart disease medication Zocor – generically called simvastatin – in the high 80 mg dose. Legal experts say that this high dose is the one most likely to contribute to side effects that have been experienced by many patients, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, as well as muscle injury. In rarer cases, patients have been known to suffer from a serious kidney condition called Zocor rhabdomyolysis.
Millions of patients are also on lower doses of Zocor and other forms of simvastatin, and these patients could also be eligible to file suit against drugmaker Merck in order to compensate for financial costs related to side effects. There is no way to determine how much in damages a plaintiff could stand to receive, but many factors will be taken into consideration – medical bills, severity of injury, wages lost, and other variables can contribute to the amount awarded to a plaintiff.
Merck could be on the hook for millions of dollars in damages based on the sheer number of patients who have been prescribed the popular cholesterol lowering medication, especially after the Food and Drug Administration’s recent report. Earlier in June, a report issued by the Food and Drug Administration warned of ties linking Zocor and other simvastatin products to muscle injury, also called myopathy. This news could certainly help plaintiffs in Zocor cases with obtaining a fair settlement, because there has been official acknowledgement of the Zocor side effects.
Along with this, it was made clear that 80 mg Zocor prescriptions will no longer be distributed; this does not mean that patients with an 80 mg Zocor prescription should stop taking the drug immediately. Patients should consult their physician before stopping any medical treatment or if they are concerned with side effects that may be linked to the drug they are taking. Patients who have experienced or are experiencing Zocor side effects may also want to speak to an experienced Zocor lawyer to determine their eligibility for litigation against Merck in a Zocor lawsuit.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Muscular Disease Linked to Zocor
Zocor is made of simvastatin and is also sold in generic form. Zocor is prescribed to treat patients with significantly increased risks of atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. The FDA reports that the 80-mg dose lowers the LDL cholesterol by an additional 6% over simvastatin 40 mg, and that an estimated 2.1 million patients in the U.S. were prescribed a product containing 80-mg simvastatin in year 2010. The changes were brought about by the SEARCH clinical trial, which found that myopathy in patients on simvastatin 80 mg/day was approximately 0.9% compared with 0.02% for patients on 20 mg/day. The incidence of Zocor rhabdomyolysis in patients on 80 mg/day was approximately 0.4% compared with 0% for patients on 20 mg/day.
Myopathy is a disease that causes muscular weakness. Rhabdomyolysis is a very specific type of myopathy, in which there is a rapid break down of skeletal muscle due to muscle tissue injury. The broken down material can be released into the bloodstream and may cause acute kidney failure. Signs and symptoms for myopathy include unexplained muscle fatigue, muscle pain, tenderness and an elevation of a muscle enzyme in the blood (creatine kinase). Rhabdomyolysis, one of the many Zocor side effects, is often characterized by fatigue and dark or red urine, in addition to the symptoms of myopathy. The illness is usually reported in patients over 65 years of age or those who have renal impairment or uncontrolled hypothyroidism.
Zocor is a statin and statins are among the best-selling drugs in the United States, with $14.5 billion in combined sales in 2008. They use the liver to block the body’s creation of cholesterol, which is a key contributor to coronary artery disease. Statins use the liver to block the body’s creation of cholesterol, which is a key contributor to coronary artery disease. Statin is used in a number of other popular cholesterol controlling drugs, including Crestor, Lipitor, Mevacor, Lescol and Pravachol. Patients are further urged to consult with their doctor if they believe they are affected by the prescribing changes, as well as an experiened Zocor lawyer to consider taking legal action in filing a Zocor lawsuit.
Myopathy is a disease that causes muscular weakness. Rhabdomyolysis is a very specific type of myopathy, in which there is a rapid break down of skeletal muscle due to muscle tissue injury. The broken down material can be released into the bloodstream and may cause acute kidney failure. Signs and symptoms for myopathy include unexplained muscle fatigue, muscle pain, tenderness and an elevation of a muscle enzyme in the blood (creatine kinase). Rhabdomyolysis, one of the many Zocor side effects, is often characterized by fatigue and dark or red urine, in addition to the symptoms of myopathy. The illness is usually reported in patients over 65 years of age or those who have renal impairment or uncontrolled hypothyroidism.
Zocor is a statin and statins are among the best-selling drugs in the United States, with $14.5 billion in combined sales in 2008. They use the liver to block the body’s creation of cholesterol, which is a key contributor to coronary artery disease. Statins use the liver to block the body’s creation of cholesterol, which is a key contributor to coronary artery disease. Statin is used in a number of other popular cholesterol controlling drugs, including Crestor, Lipitor, Mevacor, Lescol and Pravachol. Patients are further urged to consult with their doctor if they believe they are affected by the prescribing changes, as well as an experiened Zocor lawyer to consider taking legal action in filing a Zocor lawsuit.
Rhabdomyolysis Risk in Zocor Prompts FDA To Lower Dosage
Zocor (simvastatin) is a synthetic statin developed by Merck that is designed to lower cholesterol. It is one of Merck's best selling drugs and the second best-selling cholesterol drug in the world. Generic Zocor is widely available and the active ingredient, simvastatin, is also contained in the drugs Vytorin and Simcor with other medications. In June 2011, the FDA issued a warning to doctors about potential side effects of Zocor when used at high doses (80 mg), saying that the cholesterol drug may increase the risk of Zocor muscle injury or myopathy. The warning came after more than a year of FDA experts reviewing clinical trials on Zocor and other drugs containing simvastatin, which had been available to the manufacturers for some time.
In rare cases, the Zocor muscle problems may result in a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis from Zocor could include: muscle cramps, pain, spasms, stiffness and tenderness. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases the protein myoglobin into the bloodstream, which may cause kidney damage, kidney failure or death. High doses of Zocor (simvastatin) may increase the risk of this potentially life-threatening condition. The severity of Zocor rhabdomyolysis problems often varies depending on whether kidney function is impacted. Kidney damage from Zocor rhabdomyolysis may lead to decreased urine production or the inability to urinate.
All statins have been found to carry a risk of muscle injury, known as myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis is the most severe form, potentially causing severe kidney damage, kidney failure and death. Due to these risks, the FDA has lowered the prescribed dosage amounts for Zocor to below 80mg. The changes were brought about by the SEARCH (Study of the Effectiveness of Additional Reductions in Cholesterol and Homocysteine) clinical trial, which found that myopathy in patients on simvastatin 80 mg/day was approximately 0.9% compared with 0.02% for patients on 20 mg/day. The incidence of rhabdomyolysis in patients on 80 mg/day was approximately 0.4% compared with 0% for patients on 20 mg/day. The incidence of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, was highest during the first year and then notably decreased during the subsequent years of treatment. Those suffering from the adverse effects of Zocor are advised to contact an experienced Zocor lawyer to ensure proper representation in filing a Zocor lawsuit.
In rare cases, the Zocor muscle problems may result in a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis from Zocor could include: muscle cramps, pain, spasms, stiffness and tenderness. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where damaged muscle tissue releases the protein myoglobin into the bloodstream, which may cause kidney damage, kidney failure or death. High doses of Zocor (simvastatin) may increase the risk of this potentially life-threatening condition. The severity of Zocor rhabdomyolysis problems often varies depending on whether kidney function is impacted. Kidney damage from Zocor rhabdomyolysis may lead to decreased urine production or the inability to urinate.
All statins have been found to carry a risk of muscle injury, known as myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis is the most severe form, potentially causing severe kidney damage, kidney failure and death. Due to these risks, the FDA has lowered the prescribed dosage amounts for Zocor to below 80mg. The changes were brought about by the SEARCH (Study of the Effectiveness of Additional Reductions in Cholesterol and Homocysteine) clinical trial, which found that myopathy in patients on simvastatin 80 mg/day was approximately 0.9% compared with 0.02% for patients on 20 mg/day. The incidence of rhabdomyolysis in patients on 80 mg/day was approximately 0.4% compared with 0% for patients on 20 mg/day. The incidence of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, was highest during the first year and then notably decreased during the subsequent years of treatment. Those suffering from the adverse effects of Zocor are advised to contact an experienced Zocor lawyer to ensure proper representation in filing a Zocor lawsuit.
Harmed Patients Seek Advice Of Zocor Lawyer in Wake of FDA Announcement
Many Zocor patients were shocked when the Food and Drug Administration made an announcement in June that effectively banned the distribution of 80 mg doses of the cholesterol medication. Other patients, especially ones who have already experienced some of the serious Zocor side effects, were less surprised. Still others began exploring their legal options as soon as the announcement was made. Almost all Zocor patients are now likely to have questions about the safety of the medication they are taking.
Although the Food and Drug Administration has only truly warned against prescribing the 80 mg dosage of the drug, patients taking doses as low as 20 mg in an effort to control their cholesterol levels are also at risk for serious muscle-related side effects such as Zocor muscle injury, muscle weakness, and muscle inflammation. All of these symptoms could point to a more serious side effect, known as rhabdomyolysis. Regardless of the cause, muscle pain can take many workers out of commission and prevent people from doing what they enjoy in life. These side effects are of concern especially to manual laborers who have been taking Zocor, as the Zocor side effects could completely prevent them from doing their jobs.
It is possible that the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement has opened the floodgates for an influx of lawsuits against drugmaker Merck and other manufacturers of generic simvastatin medications. However, it is also likely that drugmakers will decide to settle out of court, a tactic that can be beneficial to both parties. It is in the interest of the plaintiff especially because money is awarded to them more quickly than it would be if the case were to go through the often-lengthy judicial process, and this money can go directly to paying off medical bills or covering for lost wages.
Although the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement only truly covered patients who had been prescribed the 80 mg dose of Zocor or generic simvastatin, it may also help to legitimize claims made by patients who have been taking lower doses of the drug and have still experienced Zocor side effects. By acknowledging the connection between the side effects and the medication itself, the Food and Drug Administration has given patients an opportunity to take legal action by filing a Zocor lawsuit against the drugmakers.
Although the Food and Drug Administration has only truly warned against prescribing the 80 mg dosage of the drug, patients taking doses as low as 20 mg in an effort to control their cholesterol levels are also at risk for serious muscle-related side effects such as Zocor muscle injury, muscle weakness, and muscle inflammation. All of these symptoms could point to a more serious side effect, known as rhabdomyolysis. Regardless of the cause, muscle pain can take many workers out of commission and prevent people from doing what they enjoy in life. These side effects are of concern especially to manual laborers who have been taking Zocor, as the Zocor side effects could completely prevent them from doing their jobs.
It is possible that the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement has opened the floodgates for an influx of lawsuits against drugmaker Merck and other manufacturers of generic simvastatin medications. However, it is also likely that drugmakers will decide to settle out of court, a tactic that can be beneficial to both parties. It is in the interest of the plaintiff especially because money is awarded to them more quickly than it would be if the case were to go through the often-lengthy judicial process, and this money can go directly to paying off medical bills or covering for lost wages.
Although the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement only truly covered patients who had been prescribed the 80 mg dose of Zocor or generic simvastatin, it may also help to legitimize claims made by patients who have been taking lower doses of the drug and have still experienced Zocor side effects. By acknowledging the connection between the side effects and the medication itself, the Food and Drug Administration has given patients an opportunity to take legal action by filing a Zocor lawsuit against the drugmakers.
Zocor Reduces Cholesterol But Raises Other Serious Risks
Statins are among the best-selling drugs in the United States, with $14.5 billion in combined sales in 2008. They use the liver to block the body’s creation of cholesterol, which is a key contributor to coronary artery disease. Statin is used in a number of other popular cholesterol controlling drugs, including Crestor, Lipitor, Mevacor, Lescol, Pravachol and Zocor. Although information about Zocor side effects has been on its label, the manufacturer failed to adequately warn about the extent of the risk when 80 mg doses of simvastatin are taken. The FDA recommended on June 8th that no new patients be started on an 80 mg Zocor regimen, due to the risk of developing myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, kidney damage and other muscle injury.
The use of statins is associated with a condition known as statin myopathy, in which the patient experiences muscle pain and tenderness. This condition is reportedly linked to the dose size, meaning the higher the Zocor dose (80mg being the highest recommended dose), the higher the likelihood of experiencing muscle pain. In extreme cases, the muscle cells can break down (a condition known as rhabdomyolysis) and release myoglobin into the patient's bloodstream, which can cause damage to the kidneys as the kidneys try to filter the protein out of the bloodstream. Zocor rhabdomyolysis is treatable and patients can recover if the disease is caught in its early stages. But if the disease is left untreated, acute kidney failure develops in 30-40 percent of patients.
Public Citizen has indicated that the FDA did not go far enough and should have issued an outright ban on the high dose version of Zocor, according to a statement made in its Worst Pills, Best Pills newsletter. The consumer group has designed Zocor 80mg as a “Do Not Use” medication, and urged all consumers, including those who had taken Zocor 80 mg without any problem so far, to consider switching to another medication or lower Zocor dosage. However, the organization cautioned that patients should check with their doctors before ending any drug treatment. Victims suffering from the adverse effects of Zocor are filing Zocor lawsuits nationwide.
The use of statins is associated with a condition known as statin myopathy, in which the patient experiences muscle pain and tenderness. This condition is reportedly linked to the dose size, meaning the higher the Zocor dose (80mg being the highest recommended dose), the higher the likelihood of experiencing muscle pain. In extreme cases, the muscle cells can break down (a condition known as rhabdomyolysis) and release myoglobin into the patient's bloodstream, which can cause damage to the kidneys as the kidneys try to filter the protein out of the bloodstream. Zocor rhabdomyolysis is treatable and patients can recover if the disease is caught in its early stages. But if the disease is left untreated, acute kidney failure develops in 30-40 percent of patients.
Public Citizen has indicated that the FDA did not go far enough and should have issued an outright ban on the high dose version of Zocor, according to a statement made in its Worst Pills, Best Pills newsletter. The consumer group has designed Zocor 80mg as a “Do Not Use” medication, and urged all consumers, including those who had taken Zocor 80 mg without any problem so far, to consider switching to another medication or lower Zocor dosage. However, the organization cautioned that patients should check with their doctors before ending any drug treatment. Victims suffering from the adverse effects of Zocor are filing Zocor lawsuits nationwide.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Zocor Side Effects Could Spell Trouble for Merck
Merck is the manufacturer of the popular prescription anti-cholesterol medication Zocor, a drug that was prescribed to two million patients across the United States last year alone. Although the initial success and sustained momentum of the drug since it was released a few years ago have looked good for the drugmaker, recent developments have put a different spin on the story, especially since the Food and Drug Administration’s latest press release.
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