Statins and Muscle Injury Risk – Zocor Lawsuits

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Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Zocor are statins which may cause rhabdomyolysis when taken with other commonly used drugs, among them are Plavix and Bactrim.

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood circulation which can be toxic to the kidneys and can result in myoglobinuria and kidney damage.

Rhabdomyolysis or rhabdo is a serious disease, sometimes life threatening.

The symptoms of rhabdo include muscle pain and weakness from mild to moderate but neither should be dismissed or ignored. Tell your doctor ASAP if you have these symptoms. More serious Zocor statin side effects include a darkening of the urine from broken-down muscle tissue which is the first sign of muscle damage. When this happens call your healthcare provider immediately.

All statin drugs can cause rhabdomyolysis, even when not taken with other commonly used drugs. People taking 80 mg Zocor are at greater risk of rhabdo than some of the other statins.

In March 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned patients and healthcare providers about the potential for an increased risk of muscle injury from the cholesterol-lowering medication Zocor. In this case, the specific warning was for the 80 mg dose.

Rhabdomyolysis (or rhabdo) is the most serious type of myopathy and can lead to severe kidney damage, kidney failure, and sometimes death. As with other statins, the risks of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is dose related.

If you or a loved one has been seriously harmed by taking the 80 mg dose of Zocor also known as simvastatin and have suffered severe muscle damage (rhabdo) or kidney damage, you may qualify for a Zocor statin injury lawsuit. Find out how the Shor & Levin law firm can determine your eligibility.