Zocor

Manufactured by Merck & Co., Zocor is a synthetic statin used to lower cholesterol. Prior to 2005, when it became available in generic form (simvastatin), Zocor was Merck’s best-selling drug, as well as the second best-selling cholesterol drug worldwide. In 2005, Zocor sales reached $4.3 billion. Last year, an estimated 2.1 million people were prescribed Zocor or its generic equivalent. Zocor works by decreasing lipids in the bloodstream. However, recent studies suggest that Zocor has been linked to an increased risk of muscle injuries. Specifically, patients who take 80 mg of Zocor are at a greater risk for muscle injury, myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis.

FDA Warns of Zocor Muscle Injuries

In March 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued its first warning linking 80 mg doses of Zocor to muscle injures. Additionally, the FDA warned that the risk of Zocor muscle injuries increases for patients who take Zocor in conjunction with other blood pressure medications. On June 8, 2011, the FDA added new warnings to Zocor’s labeling. This latest recommendation advised physicians not to prescribe high doses of Zocor to new patients; high-dose prescriptions should be limited to only patients who have taken 80 mg doses of Zocor for more than a year without side effects. Additionally, the FDA has also required Merck to change the drug’s labeling in order to reduce the risk of prescription errors, and clearly differentiate the drug’s differing dosage amounts.

Zocor Side Effects

Although side effects of Zocor include various types of muscle injury, the most serious side effect is rhabdomyolysis, which can fatally injure the kidneys. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that causes muscle fibers to break down and release the protein myoglobin. When myoglobin is released into the body, the kidneys attempt to filter it out of the bloodstream, eventually causing them to fail. Rhabdomyolysis affects about five out of every 100,000 Zocor users.

Who Can File a Zocor Lawsuit?

Individuals who were prescribed high doses of Zocor and sustained muscle injuries or kidney failure are potential candidates for Zocor lawsuits. If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffered side effects as a result of taking Zocor, you may be eligible to participate in one of the Zocor lawsuits seeking compensation for your injuries and reimbursement of your expenses. Contact one of our Zocor injury attorneys today for a free assessment of your potential Zocor lawsuit and find out if you are eligible for compensation. The lawyers at Bernstein Liebhard LLP have extensive litigation experience, and have recovered billions of dollars for their clients. In addition to being staunch advocates for your claim, our lawyers also provide personal attention to guide you through the complex litigation process.