Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Pharmacology and therapeutics
Managing myopathy in the statin-intolerant patient
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Lipid disorders
Lipid disorders
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Muscle disorders
Muscle disorders
Abstract
Patients on statin therapy may develop musculoskeletal side effects. Careful monitoring is required and alternative therapies may be needed in these patients.
Key Points
- Musculoskeletal side effects are the most common adverse effects of statin therapy, usually occurring with higher doses and within the first few months of dose initiation or uptitration.
- Risk factors for statin myopathy include increasing age, small muscle mass, hypothyroidism, low levels of vitamin D, concomitant therapy with cytochrome P4503A4 inhibitors and a history of muscle symptoms.
- Statin myopathy may occur without elevated creatine kinase levels; no specific therapy is available other than dose reduction or withdrawal.
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