Statin‐associated muscle symptoms—A review: Individualizing the approach to optimize care

• Published in: Pharmacotherapy Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 428 - 438
• Main Authors: Wiggins, Barbara S., Backes, James M., Hilleman, Daniel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-05-2022
• Subjects: Arteriosclerosis; Cardiovascular diseases; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, LDL; Coenzyme A; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Low density lipoprotein; muscle toxicity; Muscles; Patients; Risk Factors; SAMS; Side effects; Statins; muscle toxicity; SAMS; statins
• ISSN: 0277-0008; 1875-9114
• DOI: 10.1002/phar.2681

The 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, also known as “statins” are considered first‐line pharmacologic therapy for reducing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). They have been demonstrated efficacy in a variety of patients populations to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Like any pharmacologic therapy, however, they are not without possible adverse effects that can lead to discontinuation, thus leading to a loss of benefit. The most common side effect related to statin therapy impacting compliance is musculoskeletal related, commonly referred to as statin‐associated muscle systems (SAMS). While the overall incidence is relatively low, the consequences of nonadherence to statin therapy can have a negative impact on patient care. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to understand risk factors, how to diagnose, and how to manage this unfortunate adverse effect in order to optimize care.