Health Canada Advises on Association between Crestor® and Rhabdomyolysis

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Health Canada is advising Canadians about a possible association between the cholesterol drug Crestor®, and a condition called rhabdomyolysis.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results in muscle breakdown and the release of muscle cell contents into the bloodstream. In severe cases, this condition can result in kidney failure and can be life-threatening.

Between February 2003 and June 2004 there have been 8 cases of rhabdomyolysis reported by Canadian patients taking Crestor®. In 5 of the cases the patients were taking the maximum recommended dose of 40mg of the drug, in 2 cases the patients were taking the lowest dosage of 10mg, and 1 case no dosage was stated.

Since the risk of rhabdomyolysis is increased with higher doses, Health Canada recommends that all patients taking Crestor® should be on the lowest dose that will meet their treatment goal.

UPDATE:

Health Canada is currently reviewing the safety profile associated with Crestor® and is in receipt of additional safety information provided by the manufacturer, AstraZeneca Canada Inc.

Since June 2004, Health Canada has received 6 more reports of rhabdomyolysis in patients using Crestor® making a total of 14 cases that are under assessment.

If you believe that you or a relative were injured by taking Crestor® please use the form below to contact our law firm.

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