[Fibrate and statine myopathy]

Fibrates and statines are useful in preventing arteriosclerosis and thromboembolic events. However, they should be administered with caution. The risk of fibrate/statine myopathy, the most common side effect of fibrate/statine therapy, increases with dosage, combination of a fibrate with a statine,hypothyroidism, renal insufficiency, and intake of cytochrome P450 inhibitors. In case of clinical signs of a fibrate/statine myopathy such as proximal myalgias, stiffness,weakness, and dark urine, appropriate investigations should be initiated. If they establish the diagnosis of fibrate/statine myopathy, lipid lowering drugs should be immediately withdrawn. If rhabdomyolysis is present, prompt and adequate therapy is required. Though muscle abnormalities are rare side effects, fibrate/statine therapy should be regularly monitored with regard to clinical and laboratory alterations. The new "superstatines" rosuvastatine and pitavastatine reduce serum cholesterol more effectively than the established statines, but it is not known if they also have fewer muscular side effects than established statines.