Statin-induced Myopathy
Statins are commonly used drugs for lowering LDL/bad cholesterol and preventing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. Statins are also known as HMG-Coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, i.e., by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-Coenzyme A reductase (needed by the liver to produce cholesterol). There are different types of Statins available (Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, and Fluvastatin). The most potent statin is Rosuvastatin, followed by Atorvastatin. The CYP3A4 metabolizes Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, and Lovastatin. The CYP2C9 metabolizes Rosuvastatin and Fluvastatin. Pravastatin is not metabolized by the CYP enzymes. Despite the numerous benefits of Statins, there are some risks involved with the use of statins as well. One of them is Statin-induced myopathy. It is a muscle disorder characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and mu...