Zocor side effects related to highest dosage

An FDA analysis of trial data demonstrated that low doses – between 20 and 40 milligrams – had minimal risk of developing serious side effects. However, those risks became much greater at the 80 mg dose – 25 times that of a 20 mg dose, and 7 times that of a 40 mg dose.

Those seeking Zocor lawsuit compensation allege that the drug manufacturer Merck & Co., did not adequately investigate the dangers of the highest dose that was yet so commonly prescribed.

Zocor kidney failure

A Zocor lawyer might file a lawsuit alleging kidney failure resulting from using high doses of Zocor. Kidney failure affects a patient’s ability to remove waste through urination, and carries symptoms including vomiting, nausea, dizziness, cramps and weight loss. Serious cases also include swollen limbs, bone damage, hearth arrhythmia and reduced blood pressure. This side effect may be direct a result of Zocor rhabdomyolysis.

Zocor Rhabdomyolysis

Zocor rhabdomyolysis is the most serious side effect such as may ocur with the highest Zocor dosage. In this condition, the body breaks down its own muscle fibers, which releases the myoglobin from those fibers into the blood stream. If the proteins clog the kidney, it may interfere with proper functioning of the organ causing kidney failure, in the most extreme cases, death.

Although Zocor rhabdomyolysis may resolve upon simple dicontinuation of the medication, some patients never make the connection between their symptoms and their medication.

Symptoms of Zocor rhabdomyolysis:

• Dark, discolored urine
• Muscle pain, weakness
• Fatigue
• Unusual weight gain

Zocor Muscle injury, myopathy

A common precursor to Zocor rhabdomyolysis is muscle injury, or myopathy. Zocor myopathy is a a muscular disorder in which muscle fibers fail to respond to neural impulses and is the primary Zocor side effect that led experts and teh FDA to take a closer look at the 80 mg dose.  Zocor myopathy results causes muscle weakness, often so severe that it interferes with normal daily activities.

Those seeking Zocor lawsuit compensation for myopathy and other related side effects will be evaluated according to the permanence and severity of the condition.

Contacting a Zocor lawyer early is important in Zocor lawsuit compensation. The statute of limitations on lawsuits may affect a patient’s ability to file suit and receive damages.

Who can file a Zocor muscle injury lawsuit?

Before anyone can file a Zocor muscle injury lawsuit, or pursue muscle-related Zocor settlements, they must first exhibit symptoms of muscle disease, which might include:

• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Joint inflammation and pain
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Dark colored urine
• Unexplained fatigue

These symptoms are associated with muscle damage and a debilitating and sometimes life-threatening condition known as Zocor rhabdomyolysis, which has led many injured patients to seek Zocor settlements by filing a Zocor muscle injury lawsuit.  Zocor rhabdomyolysis causes muscle fibers to break down, which releases a protein known as myoglobin into the bloodstream. The kidneys attempt to flush out the myoglobin from the body, but in the process of doing so, they can eventually fail completely. Those who are diagnosed with Zocor rhabdomyolysis may be eligible to file a Zocor muscle injury lawsuit.

Link between Zocor Rhabdomyolysis and high dosages

Another factor that determines eligibility to obtain Zocor settlements by launching a Zocor muscle injury lawsuit is the dosage of the medication, also known as rosuvastatin, that was prescribed and taken. Some patients were prescribed 80mg of Zocor when the medication was first introduced, because this higher dosage effectively lowered blood cholesterol levels by 6% more than the lower 40mg dosage. However, the higher dosage has also been directly linked to serious muscle conditions like Zocor rhabdomyolysis, which can form the basis of a Zocor muscle injury lawsuit. Those who have been diagnosed with the disease and took the higher amount of Zocor may have more solid legal ground to stand on when seeking Zocor settlements.

How high will Zocor settlements go?

Once it is determined that plaintiffs have a viable Zocor muscle injury lawsuit, the next question will involve the amount of the Zocor settlements. Figures in this regard will depend on a number of factors, including the extent of the plaintiff’s disability, permanence of the injury and whether there is any permanent scarring or disfigurement as a result. In addition to examining the plaintiff’s injuries, the court will want to know the approximate amount of medical costs, both past and future, and whether the plaintiff has lost the ability to earn a living as a result.

It is difficult to evaluate the viability of a Zocor muscle injury lawsuit or Zocor settlements without talking to an experienced Zocor lawyer. Each case, such as those involving Zocor rhabdomyolysis, is handled on an individual basis, with circumstances specific to each plaintiff’s situation.

Do benefits outweigh Zocor side effects?

The study did not address the risk of side effects, such as Zocor muscle injury or diabetes, that stroke victims would face if treated with Zocor. Many cholesterol patients who have suffered myopathy, nephropathy, rhabdomyolysis or other side effects have hired a Zocor lawyer to pursue compensation in the form of Zocor settlements.

In the new Henry Ford Center study, adult male rats were subjected to brain stroke, or middle cerebral artery occlusion, and then divided into several treatment groups for comparison. Some of the rats were treated with Niaspan (a formulation of vitamin B3), others with simvastatin (the anti-cholesterol drug sold under the brand name Zocor), while a third group were exposed to a combination therapy of both Niaspan and simvastatin.

During and after treatment, the rats were tested for neurological function and for brain injury, otherwise known as axonal damage. Tests results showed that rats who received the combination treatment of Niaspan and simvastatin showed significantly higher neurological function and improved brain matter density than rats in the control group, or rats receiving other treatments.

FDA warnings prompt Zocor lawsuits

Along with blockbuster drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor, Zocor is considered a “super statin” because it has proven highly effective in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, reports of dangerous Zocor side effects, such as Zocor muscle injury, have become increasingly numerous. By June of 2011, in fact, so many injured patients had filed legal actions seeking Zocor settlements that the FDA decided to take action and issue a drug safety warning about Zocor, and putting a ban on 80mg high-dose prescriptions.

Many patients who have experienced some form of Zocor muscle injury, or other statin side effects such as type 2 diabetes, have been advised by an experienced Zocor lawyer that they may be eligible for out-of-court Zocor settlements.

This may explain why the FDA recently approved a new drug combining diabetes medication Januvia (sitagliptin) with cholesterol-lowering Zocor (simvastatin). It’s called “Juvisync,” and is meant to help control blood sugar and blood cholesterol at the same time. Is this likely to lead to more cases of Zocor side effects like Zocor rhabdomyolysis?

Zocor side effects as serious as Januvia side effects

Unfortunately, Januvia is not without risk of serious side effects. Approved by the FDA in 2006, it has been blamed for cases of acute pancreatitis and was found in a scientific study to raise the risk of pancreatic cancer in people who used it for a long time. Meanwhile, Zocor has been found in studies to increase the risk of Zocor side effects like muscle injury (myopathy), which can lead to Zocor rhabdomyolysis.

Zocor rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney failure

Zocor side effects like muscle injury, if allowed to continue to get worse, can lead to Zocor rhabdomyolysis. This is a condition of severe muscle wasting in which patients show elevated levels of the CPK enzyme in their blood. Over time, Zocor rhabdomyolysis can overburden the kidneys with muscle waste, leading to renal failure.

Odds are good for Zocor lawsuit settlements

An FDA announcement in June 2011 lent support to those currently seeking Zocor lawsuit settlements. The agency warned that the highest dose of Zocor (80 mg) creates a higher risk of muscle injury, including the most serious form of Zocor rhabdomyolysis. The agency recommended the 80 mg dose no longer be prescribed to new patients.

What about Zocor side effects in Juvisync?

Might these Zocor side effects become a problem in people who use the new combo drug Juvisync? It remains to be seen. The good news is that Juvisync is available in smaller doses, which could help lower the risk. The approved dosages are as follows, each listed with Januvia first, Zocor second:

• 100 mg/10 mg
• 100 mg/20 mg
• 100 mg/40 mg

Merck is also planning on developing similar doses with 50 mg each of Januvia. The company is excited because the new drug will save patients money, costing the same as Januvia alone. It has not, however, tested Juvisync in clinical trials to determine the extent of possible combined Januvia and Zocor side effects.

Zocor side effects may include type 2 diabetes

Another possible problem with this new drug is a potential risk of worsening diabetes. The FDA states it is aware of “the potential for statins to increase blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.” In other words, there appears to be a small risk of Zocor cancelling out the effects of Januvia. So far the FDA feels the benefits of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease outweigh the risks, but they are warning doctors of the possibility and requiring Merck to conduct post-marketing trials on the issue.

Zocor is a among a group of drugs called statins. Statins are used to treat high cholesterol but many of them, including Zocor, have serious side effects. These Zocor side effects include myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, which are muscle injuries. Other side effects include inflamed and painful joints, joint stiffness, muscle weakness and dark colored urine.

In Zocor lawsuit settlements type of injury matters

Before seeking Zocor lawsuit settlements, litigants need to treat their symptoms and keep records of that treatment. Judges and juries will take a close look at these records, the severity of the injury and the Zocor dosage used by the litigant when evaluating Zocor settlements.

The type of injury you have will impact your Zocor side effects lawsuit. Currently, Zocor side effect lawsuits eligibility largely hinges on myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Myopathy is a Zocor muscle injury that is caused by weakened muscle fibers. Rhabdomyolysis is a Zocor muscle injury in which muscle tissues breakdown and leak into the blood stream, causing kidney problems.

It’s not uncommon for additional side effects to brought into the fold of personal injury lawsuits however, it will likely take a large number of litigants claiming the new side effect before it has the strength of eligibility of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Timing is everything when negotiating Zocor settlements

No matter what type of Zocor side effect lawsuit you’re seeking, time is of the essence. Because Zocor lawsuit settlements have yet to be condensed to class action suits or multidistrict litigation (MDL), litigants must pay close attention to state statute of limitation laws. Statute of limitation laws outline how long an individual has to file a personal injury lawsuit. This can vary from less than a year to more than three years.

All of these factors need to be considered when filing  Zocor side effects lawsuits however, the best way to test the strength of your case is to speak with a Zocor lawyer.

A Danish study finds positive Zocor side effects

Three years ago, Danish researchers did a study linking statin use and a lower incidence of pneumonia-related deaths. The study found that patients who used statins within four months of being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia were 31 percent less likely to die from the illness within 30 days after their hospital admissions. Patients were also 25 percent less likely to die of pneumonia 90 days after admission to the hospital.

Researchers who conducted this study concluded that patients who are taking statins at the time they are diagnosed with an infection like pneumonia may have better odds of recovering from the infection. However, Dr. Reimar W. Thomsen, the lead researcher in the Danish study, also cautioned those interpreting the results, telling the New York Times, “Our results show that the chance of survival of infection might be better if you are already taking statins, but it’s too early to make recommendations about starting statin use to prevent infection. You should take statins for the present indications only.”

Serious side effects may result in Zocor lawsuit settlements

Despite the positive news that has come out of research like this regarding potential benefits of statin use, the prevalence of serious Zocor side effects is sending many users to their lawyer rather than the doctor’s office. Some of the common Zocor side effects that have been the subject of possible Zocor lawsuit settlements include:

• Muscle injury
• Cardiovascular issues like heart attack
• Zocor rhabdomyolysis
• Gastrointenstinal symptoms

One of the most serious Zocor side effects is rhabdomyolysis, a somewhat rare condition that involves the breakdown of muscle fiber. When the fibers break, pieces may be released into the bloodstream, causing kidney damage that can lead to kidney failure and even death if it is not treated promptly. The risk of Zocor rhabdomyolysis is increased in patients who take the statin with other medications like antifungal drugs, HIV protease inhibitors and some antidepressants. Risks also increase in users who consume large amounts of grapefruit juice while on the statin.

Zocor lawsuit settlements pending

While no Zocor lawsuit settlements have been reported to date, recent FDA warnings about high dosages of Zocor may result in legal action in the near future. The manufacturer of Zocor, Merck, could possibly face billions of dollars in Zocor lawsuit settlements as more patients come forward to report serious Zocor side effects.

Statins linked to diabetes

Last month, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study that found people using high dose statins were 12 percent more likely to develop diabetes than people who use lower doses of drugs such as Lipitor, Crestor, Vytorin and Zocor. The study corroborates previous research that found that some statins increase the risk of diabetes by as much as one-third.

More than 25 million Americans suffer from type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that can lead to a host of health problems including blurred vision, erectile dysfunction, increased appetite and fatigue. Millions of Americans take statins every year. Zocor (simvastatin) is the most popular statin; it is the only statin to be available in generic form.

Recent FDA announcement spotlight harmful Zocor side effects

Some forms of Zocor might be the most dangerous of all available statins. In June, the Food and Drug Administration issued a health warning over 80 mg Zocor after it was found to put users at a high risk of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis – a sometimes-fatal kidney disorder. No new prescriptions of 80 mg Zocor will be issued, and current users of that dosage have been encouraged to talk to a physician about safer alternatives.

Medical concerns prompt Zocor lawsuit inquiries and hopes for settlement dicsussions

Zocor lawsuits for myopathy and muscle damage are currently being evaluated by Zocor lawyers across the United States. The first trial for Zocor muscle injury could take place in 2012. A new warning about a statin diabetes risk, particularly a Zocor diabetes risk, could mean that Zocor lawsuits will soon be given the go-ahead to proceed through US courts.

Zocor settlements could soon follow for people injured by the drug. Zocor lawyers estimate Zocor settlements could be worth a significant amount, depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries.  Zocor lawyers are currently evaluating the claims of people who used the drug to determine if litigation is the appropriate course of action.

High doses lead to Zocor muscle injury

The fact is certain dosages of Zocor and generic simvastatin have been on the market when they should not have been. In June, the FDA effectively recalled 80 mg Zocor, putting an end to new prescriptions of the high dose statin after it was found to pose a high risk of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis, a sometimes-lethal kidney disorder. A number of patients have sought Zocor lawsuit advice in the wake of the FDA decision.

It may be only a matter of time before a wave of Zocor lawsuits hit the courts. The FDA action legitimizes claims made against Merck and generic manufacturers who chose to market the high dose drug despite serious concerns about side effects. The drug makers could be held liable for negligently – or even maliciously – marketing a drug that they knew to be dangerous.

And the FDA decision may also legitimize claims made by patients who take lower Zocor doses. While the risk of serious Zocor side effects is highest with the highest dose, even people taking 20 mg of the medication are at risk of Zocor muscle injury as well. Symptoms include muscle weakness and pain, which can indicate the onset of serious side effects such as rhabdomyolysis. People who develop these side effects should consult with a physician. Talking to a Zocor lawyer may be the best next step.

Zocor settlements could replace need for lawsuits

It may turn out that Zocor lawsuits are unnecessary. Merck and generic drugmakers may decide to pay out Zocor settlements to patients who develop Zocor side effects. If that is the case, a Zocor lawyer may be necessary to process the settlement and negotiate a fair sum. A Zocor settlement could be worth millions of dollars. Most likely, the settlement would be commensurate with the severity of injuries incurred because of Zocor use. That rule may also apply when and if Zocor lawsuits go to trial within the next year or two.

A Zocor lawyer may be able to answer questions by those who seek Zocor lawsuit advice.

Earlier this month, the FDA warned that high doses of Zocor and generic simvastatin may cause muscle injury, or myopathy.  The drug has also been linked to muscle pain, tenderness, weakness and a rare but serious kidney disease called rhabdomyolysis.

From now on, no new prescriptions of 80 mg Zocor will be dispensed. However, people taking the drug should not stop taking Zocor until told to do so by a physician.

FDA warning could herald Zocor lawsuits

The FDA announcement opens the door for a wave of Zocor lawsuits filed by plaintiffs who allege Merck failed to accurately represent Zocor side effects. In many cases, when lawsuits come, settlements very soon follow.

Merck now has a choice.  They can fight the Zocor lawsuits that will likely be filed in the wake of the FDA’s alarming announcement, or the drug giant may choose to offer Zocor settlements.

Zocor’s enormous popularity could cost Merck considerable amount in Zocor settlements

Zocor settlements could end up costing Merck billions of dollars. The FDA estimates 2 million Americans were prescribed 80 mg doses of Zocor, generic simvastatin and Vytorin and Simcor, which combine 80 mg simvastatin with other drugs.

The scope of potential litigants could be ever greater. Millions more patients took less potent formulations of Zocor and similar simvastatin-containing drugs. The FDA announcement may serve to support Zocor lawsuits that involve side effects caused by any formulation of the drug.

Zocor lawyers are best suited to help potential plaintiffs fully understand the scope of an individual Zocor settlement. And while negotiations may soon be on the table for those who were injured by the 80 mg dose,  it may be a year or longer before any Zocor settlements are offered to patients who used less potent formulations of the drug.

People who take Zocor and experience muscle pain or soreness should consult with a physician about alternative medications. Legal counsel may be necessary to secure compensation for medical costs associated with Zocor side effects.