ISSN: 2161-1017
+44 1478 350008
Yazan Khlief, Dana Hyassat, Mohammed Liswi, Hashem Jaddou and Kamel Ajlouni
Objective: This study aims to find the prevalence and risk factors of myopathy in subjects on statin therapy.
Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on 1046 subjects on statin therapy for dyslipidemia who were attending the National center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics [NCDEG] in Jordan between Sep. and Dec. 2012. Questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, medical history and muscular symptoms.
Results: The prevalence of muscular symptoms among subjects taking statin was 27.9%, when subjects referred their muscular symptoms to statin the prevalence drop to 16.4%. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed significant association between muscular symptoms and hypothyroidism, taking medication or substances that are known to interact with statin treatment [Fibrates, Verapamil, Amiodarone, Warfarin, Digoxin or Grapefruit juice [>1 quart/day]], and allopurinol therapy.
Conclusions: Statin use is significantly associated with high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain [27.9%]. Although many clinicians perceive myalgia as a minor adverse effect, its clinical significance should not be underestimated, as myalgia could be a major obstacle to treatment adherence.