Risk for myopathy with statin therapy in high-risk patients.

Abstract

Emerging data suggest that the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) offer important benefits for the large population of individuals at high risk for coronary heart disease. This population encompasses a sizable portion of individuals who are also at high risk for drug-drug interactions due to their need for multiple medications. In general, statins are associated with a very small risk for myopathy (which may progress to fatal or nonfatal rhabdomyolysis); however, the potential for drug-drug interactions is known to increase this risk in specific high-risk groups. The incidence of myopathy associated with statin therapy is dose related and is increased when statins are used in combination with agents that share common metabolic pathways. Of particular concern is the potential for interactions with other lipid-lowering agents such as fibrates and niacin (nicotinic acid), which may be used in patients with mixed lipidemia, and with immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporine, which are commonly used in patients after transplantation. Clinicians should be alert to the potential for drug-drug interactions to minimize the risk of myopathy during long-term statin therapy in patients at high risk for coronary heart disease.

• Authors: Christie M Ballantyne, Alberto Corsini, Michael H Davidson, Hallvard Holdaas, Terry A Jacobson, Eran Leitersdorf, Winfried März, John P D Reckless, Evan A Stein
• Journal: Archives of internal medicine (Arch Intern Med) Vol. 163 Issue 5 Pg. 553-64 (Mar 10 2003) ISSN: 0003-9926 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12622602 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
• Hypolipidemic Agents
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclosporine

Topics

• Calcium Channel Blockers (adverse effects)
• Coronary Disease (prevention & control)
• Cyclosporine (adverse effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Interactions
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics)
• Hyperlipidemias (drug therapy)
• Hypertriglyceridemia (prevention & control)
• Hypolipidemic Agents (adverse effects)
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects)
• Muscular Diseases (chemically induced)
• Risk Factors