A practical algorithm for the management of patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms.

A practical algorithm for the management of patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms. Hellenic J Cardiol. 2019 Nov 19;: Authors: Rallidis LS Abstract Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the most frequent clinically relevant adverse effect of statins causing discontinuation of statin treatment and subsequent increase in cardiovascular events. The incidence of SAMS in clinical practice is 5-10%. Clinical manifestations of SAMS are highly heterogeneous and ranges from mild weakness, cramps and muscle pains to the very rare and severe rhabdomyolysis. The most common type of SAMS (>80%) is muscle pains without or with mild increase in creatine kinase. The management of patients with SAMS is a clinical challenge. A strategic approach involving clinical assessment, patients' reassurance regarding statin safety and reintroduction of low statin dose (daily or alternate scheme) combined with non-statins (ezetimibe first and if required addition of alirocumab or evolocumab) will allow the majority of them to achieve meaningful low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol reductions. PMID: 31756491 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Hellenic Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Tags: Hellenic J Cardiol Source Type: research