Cholesterol drugs are medications that work to lower cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol found in the body: low density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol,” and high density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol.” Cholesterol drugs either increase HDL, which promotes the elimination of LDL, or decrease the levels of LDL.
Cholesterol Drug Side Effects
As with any drug, there are side effects associated with cholesterol drugs. The side effects of cholesterol drugs include:
- Liver abnormalities
- Stomach pain
In addition to these side effects, the medication Baycol® has been linked to an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle condition that can lead to kidney failure and death. If Baycol® is combined with gemfibrozil (a cholesterol drug that lowers triglyceride levels), the risk of rhabdomyolysis is increased even further.
The FDA issued a recall of Baycol® in August 2001 due to the deaths of 30 people who developed rhabdomyolysis and eventual kidney failure while taking the cholesterol drug. Baycol® is the only statin drug that has been recalled by the FDA.
Locate a Defective Drugs Lawyer in Your Area
If you or a loved one has been harmed by cholesterol drugs, you would be well-advised to contact a local defective drug attorney for an evaluation of your potential case.