Statin-associated myopathy

Myopathy occurs in 0.1%-0.2% of patients receiving statins in clinical tria ls. This adverse effect is shared by all statins, but is more common with ceriv astatin, especially in combination with gemfibrozil. The risk of myopathy is increased by: the use of high doses of statins concurrent use of fibrates concurrent use of hepatic cytochrome P450 inhibi tors acute viral infections, major trauma, surgery, hypothyroidism and other con ditions. Statin-associated myopathy should be suspected when a statin-treated patien t complains of unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness. Statin therapy should be stopped in cases of suspected myopathy, and serum creatine kinase levels should be checked and monitored. No specific therapies other than statin withdrawal and supportive measures for rhabdomyolysis are currently available.