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On September 4, 2001 Rochon Genova LLP commenced a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers and distributors of the prescription drug Baycol.
Baycol (generic name: cerivastatin) was withdrawn from markets around the world, including Canada on August 8, 2001 because of growing concerns about rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse muscle reaction associated with the drug. Between February 18, 1998, when Baycol was first approved in Canada, and August 24, 2001, 54 cases of rhabdomyolysis, including 15 cases of acute renal failure and two deaths were reported in Canada. Health Canada instructed Bayer Inc., the Canadian distributor of Baycol, to issue a Dear Healthcare Professional Letter (DHPL) on July 16, 2001 and a Public Advisory on July 25, 2001 to inform physicians, pharmacists and patients about the risks of rhabdomyolysis associated with Baycol. A second DHPL was issued on August 8, 2001 advising healthcare providers of the market withdrawal of Baycol.
The withdrawal of Baycol as a result of the increased incidence of rhabdomyolysis has prompted questions as to when the manufacturers of Baycol were first aware of the serious side effects associated with the drug. In this regard, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported on August 13, 2001, that Bayer received a report that the drug may have been a secondary cause in the death of a patient who had taken the drug for a year and a half before it was introduced to the market.
For further information regarding your legal rights and the withdrawal of Baycol contact Rochon Genova LLP at 1-866-881-2292. |
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