Zocor Lawsuit

Zocor (generic: simvastatin) is developed and manufactured as a medication that contributes to lowering bad cholesterol. In doing so, Zocor may lower the risk of an individual suffering from heart attack or stroke. However, recent studies suggest that Zocor may be responsible for a patient developing rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal muscular disease. Due to the severity of rhabdomyolysis, patients may wish to file a Zocor lawsuit.

Free Confidential Case Review: If you or a loved one has been injured by Zocor, you should contact us as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential case.

Why File A Zocor Lawsuit?

Merck & Co. introduced Zocor to the public as a prescription medication in December of 1991. Accordingly, just before being released into the U.S. market, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Zocor to be intended for the use of cholesterol reduction.

Simvastatin belongs to a group of medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). As a statin, simvastatin reduces concentrated amounts of fatty substances like low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Zocor affects cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By regulating cholesterol levels, Zocor can prove to be helpful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Unfortunately, studies suggest that large Zocor doses, like 80 mg tablets, may be responsible for severe, life-threatening complications. Patients who take Zocor may develop rhabdomyolysis, a catastrophic muscular disease. Due to the severity of rhabdomyolysis, many patients have sought compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Zocor lawsuit.

Zocor Side Effects

The following side effects are currently being evaluated in Zocor lawsuits:

• Muscle damage, pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Myopathy
• Kidney failure
• Dark red urine
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Lack of energy
• Fever
• Flushing
• Blisters
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Joint pain

The FDA issued a statement suggesting that the use of 80 mg Zocor regiments may result in severe and adverse health effects. The following FDA warning illustrates the more severe complications being filed in Zocor lawsuits:

The FDA issued a warning to patients and healthcare providers regarding the potential risks of muscle injury associated with Zocor (simvastatin) 80 mg tablets. Muscle injury, or myopathy as it is often called, is a common side effect with all statins. The Agency’s latest warning acknowledges the increased risk of developing a muscle injury, like rhabdomyolysis, for patients when they use higher doses of Zocor. Rhabdomyolysis is the most severe form of myopathy and may lead to catastrophic kidney damage, kidney failure, and in the worst cases, death.

Zocor Rhabdomyolysis

Recent studies suggest that large doses of Zocor may be responsible for patients developing a severe muscular disease known as rhabdomyolysis. This severe, life-threatening disease is characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibers. During this process, dead muscle releases a toxic substance known as myoglobin into the bloodstream. The presence of too much myoglobin can prove to be catastrophic to the kidney in the filtering process. As a result, a patient may suffer from kidney failure that, more often than not, proves fatal. Due to the severity of this condition the FDA has acknowledged that rhabdomyolysis may justify a Zocor lawsuit.

Zocor Kidney Failure

If a patient is diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after taking Zocor, there is a strong possibility that they may develop acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis results in a large amount of myoglobin being released into the bloodstream. This substance is extremely harmful to kidneys and may ultimately result in kidney failure. Acute (sudden) kidney failure is the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove waste and concentrate urine. As a result, a patient may face any of the following complications:

• Chronic (long-term) kidney failure
• Damage to heart and nervous system
• End-stage kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Lack of blood-flow to intestines

Zocor kidney failure is potentially life-threatening and may require intensive treatment. If treatment is neglected, the chances of a patient surviving Zocor kidney failure may be significantly decreased. Due to the severity of acute kidney failure, many patients have filed a Zocor lawsuit against Merck & Co.

We’re Here To Help – Contact a Zocor Lawyer Today

The Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm includes some of America’s most passionate, accomplished and skilled trial lawyers. When choosing our firm to represent you in your potential Zocor claim, you will not only gain access to a level of professional legal representation previously available only to large corporations, but also to an exceptional level of personal attention and customer service from compassionate trial lawyers found at no other law firm.

We are handling individual lawsuits nationwide and currently accepting new Zocor cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has been injured by Zocor, you should contact us as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential case.