[Myopathy caused by inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase]

Rev Neurol. 1997 Jun;25(142):869-71.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction: Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) Reductase inhibitors are a group of drugs widely used for hypercholesterolemia. They are known to originate side-effects on muscles but with a very low incidence of myopathy.

Clinical case: We present two cases of myopathy induced by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. They are two women, who were on 20 mg daily of lovastatin and 30 mg daily of simvastatin and consulted due to weakness, myalgia and a rise in blood levels of muscle enzymes. Both of them recovered completely a few weeks after withdrawal of the drugs.

Comments: Usage of this group of drugs is wide. Their side effects are rare but it is important to remember their capacity to induce a myopathy, usually reversible upon withdrawal of the drug.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Electromyography
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Lovastatin / administration & dosage
  • Lovastatin / adverse effects*
  • Lovastatin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / chemically induced*
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / diagnosis
  • Simvastatin

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Lovastatin
  • Simvastatin