Michael Hingle & Associates, LLC Files Lawsuits Against Makers of Cholesterol Drug, Zocor

August 1, 2012, 10:30AM. By Abi Kistler

New Orleans, LA (Press Release)- In June 2012, Michael Hingle & Associates, LLC filed among the nation’s first lawsuits against the manufacturers of the cholesterol drug, Zocor. The complaints allege that Zocor caused the plaintiffs to suffer from muscle and kidney damage.

Zocor, manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. Zocor works by reducing levels of “bad” cholesterol while increasing the levels of “good” cholesterol in the blood. On June 8, 2011, the Food & Drug Administration issued a warning concerning an increased risk of muscle injury, or myopathy, for patients taking 80mg of Zocor daily. The most serious form of myopathy, called rhabdomyolysis, can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure which can be fatal. The FDA recommended that physicians not prescribe 80mg doses of Zocor to new patients. Merck & Co., Inc. was forced to change the Zocor label as a result of this warning.

Michael Hingle & Associates, LLC, currently has three Zocor cases pending, two in the Eastern District of Louisiana and one in the Western District of Louisiana, including one class action complaint. The plaintiffs’ alleged injuries range from muscle injury to kidney failure.

About Michael Hingle & Associates, LLC:
Hingle & Associates is a law firm based in Southeast Louisiana, representing victims of defective drugs and medical devices. The firm is currently investigating claims for victims hurt by Zoloft, as well as other SSRI anti-depressants, Pradaxa, transvaginal mesh implants, metal-on-metal hip implants, and Zimmer NexGen Knees. Anyone wishing to receive more information on these cases, or to discuss a potential claim, can contact Michael Hingle & Associates, LLC.