Baycol Litigation Update

Baycol was a cholesterol-lowering drug manufactured by Bayer A.G. It was toxic and caused a condition known as Rhabdomyolysis, which manifested symptoms of muscle weakness, fatigue, dark urine and ultimately kidney and liver damage leading to death. Persons taking Baycol were either prescribed .4 mg (micrograms) or .8 mg.

By August 8, 2001, Bayer voluntarily withdrew Baycol from the market. By that time, 52 deaths were noted worldwide, which we suspect is only approximately one-third of the total amount of death cases.

You may have a case if you were taking Baycol and (1) were diagnosed by a doctor with Rhabdomyolysis and (2) were treated. Treatment ranged from hospitalization with IV treatment to flush out the system, to dialysis. Usually the symptoms resolved and there were no permanent damages. Elderly persons were most susceptible to injury, and some of them have not fully recovered their strength from the incident. Walking and balance have been common problems.

If you have questions about Baycol, please call Jason J. Thompson at Charfoos & Christensen, P.C., 313-875-8080.