Despite several warnings by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the popular cholesterol drug Zocor (simvastatin) continues to be prescribed in potentially lethal combination with (Codorone) amiodarone, a drug used to treat irregular heartbeat.  According to the FDA, this drug combination increases the risk of a serious muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis, which can cause kidney failure and death if not properly diagnosed and treated.

Several patients have already reported these serious side effects and many people continue to be prescribed this drug combination without fully understanding the inherent risks.

The 2002 FDA warning

In 2002, the FDA first warned the public about the serious risk of rhabdomyolysis associated with taking simvastatin (Zocor) in combination with amiodarone.  Despite this initial warning, patients continued to receive this drug combination.

The 2008 FDA warning

In 2008, the FDA issued another warning about the risk of serious muscle diseases (myopathy) associated with Zocor.  The regulators explained that the new warning was necessary because more than 50 patients had developed rhabdomyolysis between 2002 and 2008.

According to the 2008 Zocor warning, the risk of developing rhabdomyolysis, myopathy, and kidney problems increases with higher doses of Zocor (simvastatin).

The 2010 FDA Zocor warning

Just last month, in March 2010, the FDA issued yet another warning over Zocor.  This time the drug agency warned about the risks of taking 80 mg doses of simvastatin in Zocor and other medications with the same active ingredient, including Vytorin and Simcor.

The FDA explains that the risk of rhabdomyolysis is greater when simvastatin is given in higher doses and in combination with amiodarone.  This risk is greater for simvastatin—Zocor—than it is for other statin drugs.

All patients who are taking Zocor should speak to their doctor about the risks of muscle disease, kidney failure, kidney disease and death associated with this drug.  Any patient who experiences any muscle or kidney related symptoms (discussed here) should consult with a doctor immediately.  If you have suffered serious injury as a result of taking Zocor, please contact our law offices today for a free and confidential evaluation of your case.

Numerous patients who were switched from brand name antiepileptic drug Keppra to the generic form, Levetiracetam, have reported serious seizure events and other injuries as a result of the medication switch.

The makers of this drug have known since 2006 that the generic Levetiracetam is known to produce serious injury in patients.  However, the manufacturer (Mylan Pharmaceuticals) continues to sell this drug, knowing that many patients are automatically and unknowingly switched to a drug with the potential to cause serious and even fatal consequences.  All the while the drug maker reaps millions of dollars in profit at the expense of patients with epilepsy and other neurological medical conditions.

Reports of Levetiracetam Injuries

Many patients have reported serious injuries shortly after being switched from Keppra to Levetiracetam.  Some have reported seizure activity within a few hours of taking the new medication, while others experienced side effects of the switch within the first week or so of changing from Keppra to Levetiracetam.  For many of these patients, their seizures have been under control while taking Keppra, but they suffered an episode shortly after the medication change.

Furthermore patients who switched from Keppra to the generic form of the drug have reported the following:

• Increased frequency of seizures
• Seizures of longer duration
• Re-emergence of frequent seizure episodes after the condition was under control
• A marked increase in extreme drowsiness
• Changes in mood, behavior and emotions
• Migranes
• Lightheadedness

In some cases, patients were driving or moving when these Levetiracetam injuries occurred, resulting in car accidents or patients hitting their heads, compounding the damage caused by this drug side effect.

Keppra and Levetiracetam are antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used to treat certain types of seizures and other neurological conditions.  Many of the side effects linked to Levetiracetam are not found to be associated with Keppra, suggesting that certain serious side effects are unique to the generic version of this drug.  However, Keppra has also been associated with serious side effects, including hallucinations and psychotic episodes.