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Rhabdomyolysis from statins: What's the risk?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rhabdomyolysis/AN01413
- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is the past chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine & Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he says.
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Question
Rhabdomyolysis from statins: What's the risk?
How do you know if you have rhabdomyolysis from statin use?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
Although mild muscle pain is a relatively common side effect of statins, some people who take statin medications to lower their cholesterol may have severe muscle pain. This intense pain is a symptom of rhabdomyolysis (rab-do-mi-OL-ih-sis), a rare condition that causes muscle cells to break down.
The most common signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:
- Severe muscle aching throughout the entire body
- Muscle weakness
- Dark or cola-colored urine
The higher the dose of statins, the higher the risk of rhabdomyolysis. The risk also increases if certain drugs — including cyclosporine and gemfibrozil (Lopid) — are taken in combination with statins.
If you notice moderate or severe muscle aches after starting to take a statin, contact your doctor. If you have signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, stop taking your statin medication immediately and seek medical treatment right away. If necessary, your doctor may take steps to help prevent kidney damage and other complications.
Next questionStatins: Do they cause ALS?
- Phillips PS, et al. Survey of muscle characteristics after statin-induced rhabdomyolysis. Clinical Lipidology. 2010;5:17.
- Joy TR, et al. Narrative review: Statin-related myopathy. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2009;150:858.
- Miller ML. Rhabdomyolysis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Rosenson RS, et al. Muscle injury associated with lipid lowering drugs. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
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