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Updated: May 23, 2026

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Published on: February 2, 2021
Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by combination therapy with atorvastatin and warfarin
J W Mackay1, M E Fenech, K S Myint
1Elise Bertman Diabetes Centre, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Abstract:
Atorvastatin and warfarin are commonly prescribed in combination. Acute rhabdomyolysis is a rare but recognized side effect of atorvastatin occurring within a few weeks of initiation. This article presents a case of a 69-year-old man, on stable atorvastatin therapy, who developed acute rhabdomyolysis following initiation of warfarin. Rising international normalized ratio is a well-recognized feature of interaction between warfarin and various statins (fluvastatin, lovastatin and simva-statin). There has only been one previous similar case of acute rhabdomyolysis following the commencement of warfarin, reported in a patient on stable simvastatin therapy. To the authors' knowledge, no similar case has been reported with atorvastatin.
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