FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Memphis Law Firm Takes on Cases Against Zocor and Vytorin
As of this week, Memphis personal injury firm Darrell Castle & Associates PLLC is pursuing cases against the cholesterol drugs Zocor and Vytorin. Anyone who has taken Zocor or Vytorin and been diagnosed with myopathy or rhabdomyolysis qualifies for a case evaluation at no cost.
Memphis, TN — 29 June, 2011 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked 80mg dosages of Zocor and Vytorin to serious muscular damage. Darrell Castle & Associates’ personal injury attorneys seek compensation on behalf of affected patients and their families.
Physicians prescribe Zocor (or simvastatin) and Vytorin (ezetimibe plus simvastatin) to control cholesterol. Despite often being prescribed for elderly patients, the drugs are contraindicated for people over 65. According to the FDA, the dangers of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis increase 10x at the 80mg dose.
Myopathy weakens muscles and results in various symptoms, from muscle cramps to paralysis. Rhabdomyolysis, often called rhabdo for short, causes damaged muscle tissue to break down. Rhabdo can be life-threatening and often permanently damages the kidneys. Symptoms include vomiting, confusion, dark or red urine, muscle stiffness, fatigue and weight gain. The conditions develop quickly, so patients run a greater risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis during the first year of using Zocor or Vytorin.
“Based on the FDA’s statements, the public has not been adequately informed of the risks of Zocor and Vytorin and their connection to myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, especially at the 80mg dosage,” states head attorney Darrell Castle. “Our goal is to see justice done for the men and women who have suffered and even died while taking these drugs, and to help their families and loved ones to heal.”
Because of these serious complications, the FDA now requires Merck & Co., Inc., the manufacturers of Zocor and Vytorin, to add new information to their labeling. The drugs’ labels must now warn of the contraindication of simvastatin for patients over 65. Labels also have to state the maximum daily dose as 40mg per day.
Patients who have taken Zocor or Vytorin may receive a free case evaluation or more information by filling out a short contact form at https://darrellcastle.com or contacting Cori at 901-327-1212. If you’ve been hurt by taking a prescription drug, contact our offices to discuss your options with a dangerous drugs lawyer Memphis, TN families turn to and trust.
Darrell Castle & Associates PLLC is a Mid-South personal injury and bankruptcy law firm located in the Memphis, TN, area. Founded in 1984, they have successfully taken on numerous pharmaceutical cases, including Darvon/Darvocet, Tylenol, Yaz/Yasmin, antidepressants, and other dangerous drugs.
This article is not intended to give medical advice as that can only be given by a licensed physician.
Do not discontinue the use of any prescribed medication without first consulting your physician.