The prescription drug Crestor is supposed to help people with cholesterol problems; however, medical studies show that it can cause potentially deadly side effects like rhabdomyolysis — a form of muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure.
The Federal Drug Administration has warned patients and doctors about the potential for rhabdomyolysis resulting from Crestor, and lower dosages have been recommended for people of Asian descent who are more prone to the side effects. Crestor has also been linked to other serious side effects, such as heart and liver problems, as well as diabetes.
People who have taken Crestor (rosuvastatin) and have suffered serious, life-threatening side effects could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Lawsuits over medication side effects are essentially product liability matters, but they also involve medical malpractice law.
The law firm of Gemma Law Associates, Inc., has years of experience handling Rhode Island medical malpractice and product defect cases, including defective drug cases. We fight to protect the rights of patients and their families.
Call us at 855-631-1448 or fill out our online contact form for a consultation about your case. We represent clients in areas throughout the state of Rhode Island, including Providence, Newport, Bristol, Woonsocket, Pawtucket and Cranston.
Crestor Can Cause Serious Kidney And Heart Problems
A type of statin drug used to treat unhealthy cholesterol levels, Crestor has been shown in medical studies to significantly increase the likelihood of rhabdomyolysis, a rare but potentially deadly kidney disorder.
Crestor-related rhabdomyolysis occurs when a massive amount of muscle cells die and their proteins enter the bloodstream. The kidneys are unable to process the large quantity of protein and become clogged.
In some cases, this can cause kidney failure and death. An indicator of rhabdomyolysis is dark red or cola-colored urine. Medical studies have shown that Crestor can elevate the frequency of kidney problems more than other statin drugs – in fact, 75 times more.
Studies have also linked Crestor to serious side effects, such as:
- Heart attacks;
- Myopathy (a breakdown of muscle fibers);
- Cardiomyopathy (a breakdown of muscle fibers in the heart);
- Sudden cardiac death;
- Ventricular dysfunction (the inability of the ventricle to relax);
- Congestive heart failure; and
- Diabetes
If you suspect you have suffered a serious side effect because you were taking Crestor, you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure, the Providence, Rhode Island, Crestor side-effect attorneys of Gemma Law Associates, Inc., can review your case and advise you. Contact us today at 855-631-1448 or fill out our online contact form.