What is Rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue due to injury to muscle tissue. The destruction of the muscle leads to the release of the breakdown products of damaged muscle cells into the bloodstream, some of which is detrimental to the kidney and may lead to acute renal failure. Rhabdomyolysis can result from any circumstance that causes considerable muscle damage including certain muscle diseases, severe muscle injuries, overuse of alcohol or illicit drugs, use of some prescription drugs, and severe seizures or convulsions. Baycol, Vytorin and Zetia are all prescription drugs that have been linked to the development of Rhabdomyolysis.
Signs & Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis
There are a variety of side effects associated with Rhabdomyolysis including:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Weakness
- Edema
- Kidney damage
- Muscle damage
- Acute tubular necrosis
- Kidney failure
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
There is no test to positively confirm whether one has rhabdomyolysis or not. Anyone who has suffered trauma, crush injury or prolonged immobilization may be suspected to have rhabdomyolysis. It may also be diagnosed later on due to deteriorating kidney function. High potassium levels may indicate a problem in traumatic rhabdomyolysis and low calcium levels may be detected in the “initial stage” of rhabdomyolysis. However, the most reliable test in the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis is creatine kinase in the blood. This is because creatine kinase is always released when there is damaged muscle. The creatine kinase levels are usually 5 times higher than normal. Compartment syndrome is a clinical testing used to determine and assess the severity of the rhabdomyolysis. Fluid therapy, electrolyte therapy, and renal replacement therapy are the three most common treatments for rhabdomyolysis.
Do I Have a Rhabdomyolysis Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Rhabdomyolysis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know have developed Rhabdomyolysis and have used one of the drugs listed below in the “Related Pages on our Website”,, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dangerous Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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