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aycol (cerivastatin), which was initially approved in the U.S. in 1997, is a member of a class of cholesterol lowering drugs that are commonly referred to as "statins." Statins lower cholesterol levels by blocking a specific enzyme in the body that is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol. While all statins have been associated with very rare reports of rhabdomyolysis, cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis in association with the use of Baycol have been reported significantly more frequently than for other approved statins.

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a large number of skeletal muscle cells die, which results in the release of a massive amount of muscle protein (known as myogloblin) into the bloodstream. The muscle protein can become trapped in the kidneys, clogging up the filtering process of the kidneys and leading to kidney or renal failure. In addition, potassium released from the damaged muscle cells can cause malignant heart rhythms resulting in cardiac arrest.


Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting. The pain may involve specific groups of muscles or may be generalized throughout the body.


Bayer's Alleged Misconduct and Baycol Lawsuits

The Baycol recall has lead to questions and governmental inquiries worldwide as to when Bayer was first aware that fatal side effects were associated with Baycol, and whether it failed to timely inform public health authorities of these side effects. In the United States, the FDA does not provide any compensation to persons injured by recalled drugs. A number of lawsuits have been filed against Bayer for strict liability for failure to warn, negligence and wrongful death against Bayer.


One of the principal allegations in the Baycol lawsuits and Baycol class actions is that following the drug's introduction, Bayer began receiving mounting clinical evidence and reports from physicians of serious side effects with the drug.


At the same time, the plaintiffs allege that Bayer marketed Baycol as safe and highly effective, while minimizing its risks and that Baycol was no more effective than other anti-cholesterol drugs on the market. Lieff Cabraser serves as the lawyer for the family of Charles Young, whose experience was profiled above, in a wrongful death action against Bayer.