Statin Myopathy: a Common Dilemma Not Reflected in Clinical Trials
REVIEW CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE: Readers will assess possible statin-induced myopathy in their patients on statins CREDIT GENARO FERNANDEZ, MD ERICA S. SPATZ, MD CHARLES JABLECKI, MD PAUL S. PHILLIPS, MD Internal Medicine Residency Program, Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Department of Neurosciences, University Director, Interventional Cardiology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City Program, Cardiovascular Disease Fellow, of California San Diego, La Jolla Department of Cardiology, Scripps Mercy Yale University School of Medicine, New Hospital, San Diego, CA Haven, CT Statin myopathy: A common dilemma not reflected in clinical trials ■■ ABSTRACT hen a patient taking a statin complains Wof muscle aches, is he or she experiencing Although statins are remarkably effective, they are still statin-induced myopathy or some other prob- underprescribed because of concerns about muscle toxic- lem? Should statin therapy be discontinued? Statins have proven efficacy in preventing ity. We review the aspects of statin myopathy that are 1 important to the primary care physician and provide a heart attacks and death, and they are the most guide for evaluating patients on statins who present with widely prescribed drugs worldwide. Neverthe- less, they remain underused, with only 50% of muscle complaints. We outline the differential diagnosis, those who would benefit from being on a statin the risks and benefits of statin therapy in patients with receiving one.2,3 In addition, at least 25% of possible toxicity, and the subsequent treatment options. adults who start taking statins stop taking them 4 ■■ by 6 months, and up to 60% stop by 2 years. KEY POINTS Patient and physician fears about myopathy There is little consensus on the definition of statin-in- remain a key reason for stopping.
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