Simvastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis following cyclosporine treatment for uveitis.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to heighten awareness of a potentially life-threatening drug interaction in patients with chronic uveitis treated with cyclosporine. A 69-year-old female with chronic posterior uveitis was treated with cyclosporine while on concomitant oral simvastatin for hypercholesterolemia. Rhabdomyolysis developed with acute renal failure from the probable interaction between these drugs. Discontinuation of simvastatin and cyclosporine resulted in resolution of rhabdomyolysis and normalization of renal function. Statins are associated with a small, dose-related risk of myopathy, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis. Cyclosporine is a potent inhibitor of simvastatin metabolism, and may therefore facilitate simvastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis. Concomitant use of statins and cyclosporine should be avoided.

• Authors: Anita Lasocki, Brendan Vote, Robert Fassett, Ehud Zamir
• Journal: Ocular immunology and inflammation (Ocul Immunol Inflamm) 2007 Jul-Aug Vol. 15 Issue 4 Pg. 345-6 ISSN: 0927-3948 [Print] England
• PMID: 17763133 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclosporine
• Simvastatin

Topics

• Aged
• Anticholesteremic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Chronic Disease
• Cyclosporine (therapeutic use)
• Drug Interactions
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia (complications, drug therapy)
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Rhabdomyolysis (chemically induced)
• Simvastatin (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Uveitis, Posterior (complications, drug therapy)