how to monitor for myopathy in patients taking statins

March 2006

There's some confusion about how to monitor for myopathy in patients taking statins...and what to do if it occurs.

Muscle aches are common, so it can be hard to determine if they're due to a statin.

Routine lab monitoring is usually NOT helpful.

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Table of Contents

proliferation of drugs with black box warnings and required MedGuides
Cardiology Ranexa (ranolazine) for chronic angina
Cardiology LOW-dose vitamin K supplements to stabilize the effect of warfarin in certain patients
Osteoporosis IV form of Boniva (ibandronate)
whether saw palmetto is effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
American Heart Association now says NOT to rely on soy protein or isoflavone supplements to prevent heart disease
Diabetes whether sulfonylureas increase mortality
Diabetes Many patients are looking forward to trying the new inhaled insulin, Exubera
Diabetes Apidra (insulin glulisine) is the newest rapid-acting insulin
Statins how to monitor for myopathy in patients taking statins
FDA will likely pull epinephrine inhalers (Primatene Mist, etc) off the market
Kidney Disease Even patients with SEVERE kidney disease seem to benefit from ACE inhibitors
Obesity & Weight Loss Acomplia and OTC orlistat for weight loss
Infectious Diseases possible liver toxicity in patients taking Ketek (telithromycin)
Infectious Diseases Tequin (gatifloxacin) is now contraindicated for diabetes patients