Baycol Lawsuits

Baycol a cholesterol-lowering drug was removed from the market in August 2001. Bayer AG, Baycol's manufacturer, has had 8,800 Baycol lawsuits filed against them in U.S. courts after a high number of Baycol patients suffered rhabdomyolysis, a muscle-weakening disorder. In a February 24, 2003 report, court documents showed that Baycol manufacturer executives continued to promote Baycol after the company was made aware of the fatal and severe Baycol side effects occurring amongst Baycol patients.

By May 7, 2003, Baycol manufacturer had already paid $240 million to settle 785 Baycol lawsuits. Linked to more than 100 deaths, Baycol has found itself to be in the midst of legal troubles that have been thought to be responsible for setting off more drug litigation. Consumers, lawyers, and activist groups think the increase in drug litigation, is largely due to instances like the Baycol recall.

Court evidence has show that the Baycol manufacturer deliberately avoided studying potential risks of Baycol causing instances of rhabdomyolysis. Submitted evidence shows a company memo saying, "If the FDA asks for bad news, we have to give, but if we don't have it, then we can't give it to them" when referring to Baycol. Many people died and suffered from serious Baycol side effects prior to its' removal from the market.

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