Lovastatin-associated rhabdomyolysis

Article Abstract:

Coronary artery disease is one of the major causes of death in the US. Many studies have reported that high levels of cholesterol in the blood may increase the risk of developing heart disease, and that high cholesterol levels are related to morbidity and mortality from heart disease. The first step in trying to lower blood cholesterol levels involves following a program that includes a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet, weight loss, and exercise. If this type of program is not effective, then drugs may be required. At the present time, there are eight different drugs that have been approved for treating patients with hyperlipidemia (high blood levels of fat and cholesterol). The newest drug is called lovastatin (Mevacor). This drug reduces the amount of cholesterol made in the liver. Clinical studies have shown that lovastatin reduces total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 20 to 30 percent, and increases the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the 'good' form of cholesterol) by 10 percent. Lovastatin has become one of the most popular drugs for treating hyperlipidemia. However, this drug has several side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vision problems, and muscle pain. Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of striated muscle tissue) has been reported to occur in 0.2 percent of patients treated with lovastatin; the frequency is approximately 30 percent in patients who are also taking drugs that suppress the immune system. This article describes the case report of a 67-year-old woman who developed rhabdomyolysis during treatment with lovastatin. Rhabdomyolysis can be difficult to diagnose, and in this case the patient's chest pain was initially misdiagnosed as myocardial infarction (heart attack). When symptoms of rhabdomyolysis appear, lovastatin should be discontinued or it may lead to kidney failure. Patients treated with this drug should report symptoms of muscle pain or weakness and dark colored urine to their doctors. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Striated muscle, Lovastatin, Rhabdomyolysis, Necrosis

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Atorvastatin: a new agent for hyperlipidemia

Article Abstract:

The FDA approved atorvastatin in 1997 as a new drug in the statin group to treat elevated cholesterol and other blood lipids. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a risk factor in vascular disease and coronary artery disease. Atorvastatin inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol and may effectively lower LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B. The drug is intended to supplement changes in diet, weight and exercise in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Antilipemic agents

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Fenofibrate for hypertriglyceridemia

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved micronized fenofibrate for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. This condition is characterized by elevated blood levels of fats called triglycerides. Sold under the trade name Tricor, fenofibrate helps the body clear triglycerides, which lowers blood levels. The micronized form of fenofibrate is more easily absorbed by the body. It is cheaper than the trade version of gemfibrozil (Lopid) and may be more convenient to take.

Product/Service Evaluation, Tricor (Medication)

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