Crestor

Controversy abounds regarding the cholesterol lowering “statin” drugs, including Crestor, (rosuvastatin) which was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in August of 2003. Baycol (cerivastatin), another statin drug was already removed from the market because of reports of rhabdomyolysis and fatalities. Rhabdomolysis is a breakdown of muscle fibers that frequently results in kidney damage and can be fatal. Studies indicate that Crestor has the same potential for kidney toxicity. If you or someone you love has been injured or has died because of the adverse effects of Crestor, you may be entitled to receive compensation.

The attorneys at Keel O'Malley L.L.P. are dedicated to helping improve the lives of our clients by fighting for their right for justice and fair compensation. Pharmaceutical manufacturers who make unsafe or mislabeled drugs are negligent, and those who are responsible should be held liable for their actions. Our lawyers have successfully handled many product liability cases, including dangerous drugs, for clients in North Carolina.

According to Public Citizen, a consumer watchdog organization, Crestor side effects include risks of muscle and kidney damage. Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to remove Crestor from the market in 2004 based on researchers’ finding that Crestor was more likely to be associated with muscle damage (myopathy) when compared to Lipitor, Zorcor and Pravachol. Studies indicate that Crestor is the only remaining medication in the statin family to cause elevated urine protein, a potential warning sign of serious kidney problems. Studies also indicated that the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis and kidney toxicity occurs relatively early after the initiation of therapy (within 12 weeks on average). In order to minimize risk of myopathy, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory advising US physicians to adhere to the prescribing guidelines outlined in their approved product monograph when prescribing Crestor. As recently as March 1, 2005 the FDA issued an advisory that Asian American patients may be at greater risk of muscle injury because of Crestor than the general public.

Crestor’s manufacturer, AstraZeneca, reported record sales of the drug at almost $590 million in the first half of 2005. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical makers’ who lose sight of safety cause injury and devastation to the patients and families of those killed by unsafe medical products. Consumers have the right to medication that is safe when taken as directed. If you or a family member has been injured by Crestor, please contact us today. Our team of attorneys, legal assistants, a professional investigator and a registered nurse will review and analyze your case. We will discuss the situation with you in an initial consultation that is always free. Call Keel O'Malley, L.L.P. at (252) 823-2266 or at toll free (800) 755-1987, or submit an online questionnaire. We will work for you on a contingency fee basis. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed within a limited timeframe known as a statute of limitations.