Crestor Lawsuits

In 2003, the FDA approved Crestor, the latest in a series of cholesterol-reducing drugs called statins. Like the other six statins to enter the US market, Crestor is approved for use only in conjunction with a low-cholesterol diet and an exercise program designed to lower cholesterol. Crestor is only available in doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 milligrams. The 40 milligram dose of Crestor is only available to patients who meet special restrictions.

According to drug manufacturer AstraZeneca, Crestor works by lowering the total cholesterol in the bloodstream, as well as a form of fat known as triglycerides. Crestor also increases the amount of HDL cholesterol (called "good cholesterol") in the blood. AstraZeneca also warns that taking Crestor with certain other medications (including antacids) could lead to serious complications. Although the manufacturer's web site states that Crestor side effects include nausea, constipation, stomach pain, weakness and muscle pain, it does not list the most deadly potential side effect of Crestor: kidney failure brought on by a type of muscle damage known as rhabdomyolysis.

Public Citizen, a non-profit public interest organization, has called for Crestor to be banned by the FDA, due in part to the reported serious complications within five months of Crestor's approval. Three patients developed of kidney failure or muscle damage while taking the approved doses of Crestor. One woman died of kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis. In studies prior to Crestor's approval, seven people were struck by cases of rhabdomyolysis.

While AstraZeneca continues to seak of Crestor as a miracle drug for the treatment of cholesterol problems, the potential side effects are potentially devastating. If you or a loved one is taking Crestor and suffering from adverse effects, you may wish to contact an attorney to receive a legal evaluation. Crestor users should watch for muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting-all symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Makers of Crestor may be held liable for the costs arising from muscle damage and/or kidney failure caused by the use of Crestor. An attorney with experience in drug litigation will be able to give you the proper legal advice regarding the use of Crestor and potential damages.

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