Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by combination therapy with atorvastatin and warfarin.

Abstract

Atorvastatin and warfarin are commonly prescribed in combination. Acute rhabdomyolysis is a rare but recognized side effect of atorvastatin occurring within a few weeks of initiation. This article presents a case of a 69-year-old man, on stable atorvastatin therapy, who developed acute rhabdomyolysis following initiation of warfarin. Rising international normalized ratio is a well-recognized feature of interaction between warfarin and various statins (fluvastatin, lovastatin and simva-statin). There has only been one previous similar case of acute rhabdomyolysis following the commencement of warfarin, reported in a patient on stable simvastatin therapy. To the authors' knowledge, no similar case has been reported with atorvastatin.

• Authors: J W Mackay, M E Fenech, K S Myint
• Journal: British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) (Br J Hosp Med (Lond)) Vol. 73 Issue 2 Pg. 106-7 (Feb 2012) ISSN: 1750-8460 [Print] England
• PMID: 22504754 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Anticoagulants
• Heptanoic Acids
• Pyrroles
• Warfarin
• Atorvastatin

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Aged
• Anticholesteremic Agents (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
• Anticoagulants (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
• Atorvastatin
• Atrial Fibrillation (drug therapy)
• Drug Interactions
• Heptanoic Acids (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia (drug therapy)
• Male
• Pyrroles (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
• Rhabdomyolysis (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Warfarin (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)