September 6, 2001 - Law firm announces class action lawsuit against Bayer

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A Pennsylvania law firm has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of all persons who were prescribed the drug Cerivastatin, also known as Baycol (Lipobay outside the United States). As alleged in the Complaint, Bayer Corporation, a unit of Bayer AG (OTC Bulletin Board: BAYZY), is named as the defendant in this action due to its responsibility in manufacturing, promoting, marketing, distributing, and selling Baycol and/or Lipobay.

On August 8, 2001 the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") announced that Bayer withdrew Baycol from all markets in which it distributed Baycol and/or Lipobay, other than Japan. According to the FDA, the recall was announced for a number of reasons, including the fact that over 480 Baycol users developed rhabdomyolysis after being prescribed Baycol. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results in muscle cell breakdown and release of the contents of muscle cells into the bloodstream. 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. Most frequently the involved muscle groups are the calves and lower back. In some cases the muscle injury is so severe that patients develop renal failure and other organ failure, which can be fatal. Cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis in association with the use of Baycol have been reported significantly more frequently than for other approved statins. The FDA has received reports of 31 deaths in the United States due to severe rhabdomyolysis associated with the use of Baycol. Recent news reports have suggested that over several hundred people have died from their alleged use of Baycol and/or Lipobay worldwide. According to Bayer, patients who are currently taking Baycol should have their Baycol discontinued and be switched to an alternative therapy.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of taking any drug or supplement, call Joseph J. Bernardo, P.A. now at 239-332-3000 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to review your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Joseph J. Bernardo, P.A. handles all types of Personal Injury cases including: Automobile Accidents, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Insurance Bad Faith, Nursing Home Abuse, Airplane Accidents, Dog Bites, Drunk Driving Injuries, Large Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, School Bus Accidents, Slip and Fall Accidents.