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What is Baycol?
...and what is it used for?
The FDA approved Baycol in 1997 as a drug that would form part of the
family of statins.
These drugs were used to lower cholesterol levels in the body,
thus preventing heart disease. It does this
by blocking an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol in
the body.
What Is the problem with Baycol? ...and
why did the FDA approve Baycol?
The problem with Baycol begins with the
time in which it was approved. It was approved at a time when the FDA
was being pressured to pay more attention to the pharmaceuticals
industry. It was a very valuable market
sector but was not having as many new products accepted as some felt it
deserved. Therefore, concerns over the safety
of the drug were pushed into the background and German firm Bayer
released the drug.
When did problems with Baycol first appear?
...and when was Baycol withdrawn from the market?
The problems with Baycol
appeared almost immediately and within four years, Baycol was withdrawn
from sale on August 8, 2001, following its alleged part in the death of
52 patients. It claimed that it caused the
possibly fatal disease Rhabdomyolysis.
Bayer recognized the concerns and withdrew the drug voluntarily.
Do I have a case as a result
of my problems with Baycol?
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