Fatal rhabdomyolysis caused by lipid-lowering therapy

South Med J. 2001 Oct;94(10):1023-6.

Abstract

Treatment of hypercholesterolemia has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with severe lipid abnormalities may require high-dose statin therapy, at times used in combination with additional agents. We report a case of fatal rhabdomyolysis caused by the combination of simvastatin and gemfibrozil. Clinicians should be aware of risk factors for rhabdomyolysis, which include underlying renal insufficiency, high-dose statin therapy, and combination therapy with a fibrate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Drug Interactions
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gemfibrozil / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Rhabdomyolysis / chemically induced*
  • Rhabdomyolysis / physiopathology
  • Simvastatin / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Simvastatin
  • Gemfibrozil