Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results in muscle cell breakdown and the release of the contents of muscle cells into the bloodstream. In very rare cases, rhabdomyolysis may result in kidney damage and other organ damage, which may be fatal.

Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Certain pharmaceuticals, such as statins
• Toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide
• Trauma, such as major burns
• Significant muscle use, such as running a marathon
• Certain infectious bacteria or viruses

There have been reports of fatal cases of rhabdomyolysis in association with the use of the anti-cholesterol drug Baycol (cerivastatin), which was withdrawn from the U.S. market on August 8, 2001. Such instances of fatal rhabdomyolysis occurred most frequently when Baycol was used at higher doses, used in elderly patients, and particularly, when used in combination with gemfibrozil (LOPID and generics).

Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis may include the following:

• Muscle pain, weakness, tenderness
• Malaise
• Fever
• Dark urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The pain may involve specific groups of muscles or may be generalized throughout the body. Most frequently, the involved muscle groups are the calves and lower back; however, some patients report no symptoms of muscle injury or pain.

Rhabdomyolysis treatments may include:

• Eliminating the source of the muscle cell breakdown, such as ceasing use of a pharmaceutical that is causing rhabdomyolysis
• Hydration
• Dialysis