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Current Atherosclerosis Reports
Published in: Current Atherosclerosis Reports 5/2010

01-09-2010

Evidence-Based Management of Statin Myopathy

Authors: Charles R. Harper, Terry A. Jacobson

Published in: Current Atherosclerosis Reports | Issue 5/2010

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Abstract

Statin-associated muscle symptoms are a relatively common condition that may affect 10% to 15% of statin users. Statin myopathy includes a wide spectrum of clinical conditions, ranging from mild myalgia to rhabdomyolysis. The etiology of myopathy is multifactorial. Recent studies suggest that statins may cause myopathy by depleting isoprenoids and interfering with intracellular calcium signaling. Certain patient and drug characteristics increase risk for statin myopathy, including higher statin doses, statin cytochrome metabolism, and polypharmacy. Genetic risk factors have been identified, including a single nucleotide polymorphism of SLCO1B1. Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D have been used to prevent and treat statin myopathy; however, clinical trial evidence demonstrating their efficacy is limited. Statin-intolerant patients may be successfully treated with either low-dose statins, alternate-day dosing, or using twice-weekly dosing with longer half-life statins. An algorithm is presented to assist the clinician in managing myopathy in patients with dyslipidemia.
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Metadata
Title
Evidence-Based Management of Statin Myopathy
Authors
Charles R. Harper
Terry A. Jacobson
Publication date
01-09-2010
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Atherosclerosis Reports / Issue 5/2010
Print ISSN: 1523-3804
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6242
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-010-0120-9

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