Baycol is a prescription drug manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Baycol, which was initially approved by the FDA, belongs to a statin group of drugs that lowers cholesterol by blocking enzymes that are essential in the synthesis of cholesterol in the body.
Bayer Pharmaceuticals has voluntarily recalled its cholesterol drug Baycol( cerivastatin ) because it has been linked to approximately 50 deaths. Baycol can cause a muscular side effect called rhabdomyolysis – destroyed muscles cells are released into the bloodstream and cause severe muscle pain, fever, weakness and vomiting. This condition can also lead to kidney failure.The FDA said fatal reports with Baycol had been reported most frequently when the drug was used at higher doses, in elderly patients, and especially when taken in combination with another cholesterol-lowering drug called gemfibrozil. It said patients taking Baycol should consult their physicians about switching to another medication to control their cholesterol agents. Pharmacies will be instructed to return the product to the manufacturer for a refund.
FDA announced that Bayer Pharmaceutical Division is voluntarily withdrawing Baycol from the U.S. market. Patients who are taking Baycol should discontinue Baycol and consult their physicians about switching to alternate medications to control their cholesterol levels.
