Vytorin (ezetimibe and simvastatin) is used in the treatment of patients who may have dangerously high cholesterol. More specifically, Vytorin may assist in lowering the concentration of “bad” cholesterol, while it also raises the levels of “good” cholesterol. Unfortunately, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between Vytorin and catastrophic side effects. Vytorin may be responsible for an increased risk of developing kidney failure, muscle damage, myopathy and in severe circumstances, rhabdomyolysis. Due to the severity of these side effects, many patients may seek compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Vytorin lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Vytorin, you should contact our lawyersimmediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Vytorin Lawsuit Overview
Vytorin was developed and manufactured by MSP Singapore Company, a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical powerhouse Merck & Co., on July 23, 2004. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vytorin has assisted in the treatment of millions of patients who suffer from dangerously high cholesterol levels. Vytorin, along with Zocor and Simcor, are among the most popular cholesterol medications on the market.
Vytorin is a prescription cholesterol medication made up of two unique active ingredients. The first of which is ezetimibe, a compound that significantly inhibits the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body. The second active ingredient, otherwise known as simvastatin, resides in a group of medications known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). As a statin, simvastatin reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). In doing so, Vytorin may assist in the regulation of cholesterol.
Unfortunately, the prolonged use of Vytorin may be responsible for severe, life-threatening side effects. Evidence suggests that the presence of simvastatin may be responsible for patients developing kidney failure, muscle damage, myopathy and in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis. Due to the severity of these complications, patients may contact a Vytorin lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Vytorin lawsuit.
Vytorin Side Effects
The side effects listed below have been linked to the use of Vytorin:
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Muscle damage, pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Myopathy
- Kidney failure
- Dark red urine
- Lack of energy
- Fever
- Flushing
- Blisters
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Joint pain
Due to the severity of these side effects, patients may contact a Vytorin lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Vytorin lawsuit.
Vytorin Rhabdomyolysis
Vytorin side effects have recently been associated with muscle injuries that ultimately result in a serious syndrome known as rhabdomyolysis. Vytorin rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibers that releases myoglobin into the bloodstream. Accordingly, dead muscle fibers can induce large amounts of fluid to transfer from the blood into the muscles. If this happens, the fluid volume of the body may be significantly reduced, leading to shock and low blood flow to the kidneys. An event such as this can prove to be catastrophic to a kidney. Renal failure, or kidney failure as it is known, occurs when the kidney is unable to remove excess and harmful myoglobin compounds. As a result, the kidney fails to operate properly and poses a potentially fatal threat to the patient. Do to the severity of rhabdomyolysis, many patients may seek compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Vytorin lawsuit.
FDA Vytorin Warning
The following FDA Consumer Update acknowledges the dangers of taking cholesterol medications like Vytorin:
All statins, despite their proven benefit in lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes, carry some risk of an injury called myopathy, characterized by unexplained muscle weakness or pain.
But the risk is greater for patients who take the 80 mg doses of simvastatin, especially in the first year of treatment. Colman says the muscle damage is often caused by interactions with other medications. And some people are genetically predisposed towards simvastatin-related myopathy, he says.
Last year, an estimated 2.1 million people were prescribed a medication containing 80 mg of simvastatin, says Egan. “It is the most potent statin available in generic form and is relatively inexpensive,” she notes.
The statin is sold under the brand name Zocor and as a single-ingredient generic drug. It is also sold in combination with ezetimibe as Vytorin, and niacin as Simcor.
FDA has revised the drug labels for simvastatin and Vytorin to include the new restrictions for the 80 mg dose, says Egan. The labels of simvastatin, Vytorin and Simcor have all been changed to include dosing recommendations when these drugs are used with medicines that can increase the level of simvastatin in the body, thus increasing the risk of myopathy. But myopathy can be debilitating. Moreover, a rare form of myopathy, called rhabdomyolysis, can lead to kidney failure and death. Do to the severity of rhabdomyolysis, many patients may seek compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Vytorin lawsuit.
Do I Have a Vytorin Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Vytorin lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Vytorin, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.