Zocor Rhabdomyolysis Warning Partially Revoked by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has been getting involved in controversy surrounding the cholesterol-reducing drug Zocor. In June of 2011, they released a statement regarding the medication and its interactions with hear medication amiodarone. Studies had shown that use of both drugs at the same time could result in a higher instance of Zocor side effects, including muscle injury and rhabdomyolysis. The Food and Drug Administration advised at the time that Zocor should only be taken in 10 mg doses or fewer when the patient is also taking amiodarone.

Included in the same warning was the Food and Drug Administration's advisory that Zocor not be taken at its highest dose. It was asserted that 80 mg doses, previously the highest possible dose of Zocor, be discontinued because of the increased risk of side effects associated with such a high dose. Although the Food and Drug Administration has not changed its stance on the restriction of high 80 mg doses, they have altered their statement about use of Zocor with heart medication amiodarone. 

As of December 15th, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration recommends a 20 mg dose or less of Zocor is safe to use with amiodarone, as opposed to the previous dose of 10 mg or less. This could have an impact on some lawsuits, but patients should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer about their side effects before making a decision whether to file either way. So while it is bad news for some people it is good news for others--patients who need both medications can afford to be more flexible when it comes to their dosage.

Zocor belongs to a family of cholesterol reducing drugs known as statin drugs. They are all relatively powerful medications that help to reduce a patient's cholesterol. However, many of them have been associated with side effects such as muscle injury and rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is one of the most commonly cited side effect injuries in Zocor lawsuits and is a relatively serious condition that takes place when muscle tissue breaks down. The release of proteins that occurs when muscle tissue breaks down can affect the kidneys, even inducing kidney failure in the most severe cases.

Many patients have already sought the advice of an experienced Zocor lawyer, who will evaluate each patient on a case by case basis while making an informed decision about whether litigation is the right choice.