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Baycol

Peripheral Vascular Disease »

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Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. While there are many causes of peripheral vascular disease, doctors commonly use the term peripheral vascular disease to refer to peripheral artery disease (peripheral arterial disease, PAD), a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis.

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Atherosclerosis is a gradual process whereby hard cholesterol substances (plaques) are deposited in the walls of the arteries. Cholesterol plaques cause hardening of the artery walls and narrowing of the inner channel (lumen) of the artery. The atherosclerosis process begins early in life (as early as teens in some people). When atherosclerosis is mild an...

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Baycol

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Discontinued Warning IconPlease Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Baycol Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Baycol

Generic Name: cerivastatin (Pronunciation: seh RIH va stah tin)

What is cerivastatin (Baycol)?

Cerivastatin was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2001.

Cerivastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Cerivastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol in your blood. Cerivastatin also reduces the amounts of triglycerides (another type of fat) and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood and increases the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Cerivastatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of cerivastatin (Baycol)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking cerivastatin and call your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • muscle aches, pain, or weakness;
  • a fever;
  • "flu-like" symptoms;
  • decreased urine or rust-colored urine;
  • blurred vision; or
  • yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take cerivastatin and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • gas, bloating, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea;
  • dizziness;
  • headache; or
  • a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about cerivastatin (Baycol)?

Cerivastatin was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2001.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it is accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Do not take cerivastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.

Alcohol and cerivastatin can both damage your liver. Discuss with your doctor the amount of alcohol that you drink so that it can be determined if cerivastatin is the best choice for lowering your cholesterol.

Do not take cerivastatin if you are pregnant, if you are planning a pregnancy, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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