The wrong dose of a cholesterol lowering drug costs a Galveston woman’s life

An erroneously high dose of the drug Zocor cost Janice Waughtal, age 59, her life. Her husband Bide and five children recently settled their claim against a Galveston County physician who prescribed a statin drug in August 2000 to lower Mrs. Waughtal’s cholesterol.

“The story is a nightmare of poor oversight. On August 21, the doctor prescribed 10 mg. of Lipitor, but it was not on Mrs. Waughtal’s insurance formulary list. He changed the dose to 20 mg. of Zocor daily, an appropriate equivalent. Then, three days later, the doctor’s office called in another prescription for 80 mg. of Zocor, a dangerously high starting dose,” said Mike Davis, who successfully represented the Waughtal family in their case.

Deaths due to statins have been attributed to the condition rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle-cell membranes and release of the contents of muscle cells into the bloodstream. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, fever, dark urine, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, patients have developed fatal kidney failure.

“Any statin can cause rhabdomyolysis, but most statins are safe at lower doses and if monitored closely. With no instructions to the contrary, Mrs. Waughtal took the 80 mg. dose each day for 30 days and even refilled the prescription,” Davis said.

The doctor claimed that he meant for Mrs. Waughtal to cut the 80 mg. pills in four pieces to save money, although the pill is oblong and not scored to be cut in fourths.

“This story is implausible because the pill shatters when you try. There is nothing in the record to indicate the doctor told Mrs. Waughtel of this plan,” Davis said.

After taking 80 mg. Zocor daily for just over a month, Mrs. Waughtal called the doctor on Sept. 25, 2000, complaining of symptoms. The doctor’s office told her to discontinue taking the drug and make an appointment. By that time, it was too late. Mrs. Waughtal fell unconscious later that same day and died on Oct. 3, 2000.

“Mrs. Waughtal’s death is an example of what can happen due to poor monitoring and oversight. Not even the pharmacy raised a red flag to discuss with her the potential complications of such a high dose,” Davis said.