severe myopathy in patients taking both a statin and gemfibrozil (Lopid)

May 2001

How can you reduce the risk of severe myopathy in patients taking both a statin and gemfibrozil (Lopid)?

This combo is being used more these days...for patients who need to lower both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

The problem is that each drug can cause myopathy. The risk is low...but it's higher when the drugs are combined.

Get concise, unbiased advice for effective drug therapy, plus CE/CME

Prescriber's Letter includes:

12 issues every year, with brief articles about new meds and guidelines
48+ CE courses, including the popular CE-in-the-Letter
Quick reference drug comparison charts
Access to the entire archive

Subscribe Today!

Already a subscriber? Log in

Volume pricing available. Get a quote

Table of Contents

new guidelines for treating acute exacerbations of COPD
Diabetes Lantus, the new long-acting "peakless" insulin
Alzheimer's Disease Reminyl (galantamine) for Alzheimer's
Gastroenterology reduce the dose of Pepcid even in patients with MODERATE renal impairment
Cholesterol severe myopathy in patients taking both a statin and gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Pediatrics TMP/SMX (Septra, etc) for head lice
Pediatrics rickets is making a comeback
Paxil is now approved for generalized anxiety disorder
latest news reports that say St. John's wort isn't effective for depression
Ophthalmology two new eyedrops for glaucoma
Ophthalmology patients getting severe migraines after using Xalatan (latanoprost) eyedrops
Ophthalmology Valcyte (valganciclovir) tablets, an improved version of oral Cytovene (ganciclovir)
Dermatology Aldara (imiquimod cream) to reduce the recurrence of keloid scars
Asthma treat acute asthma exacerbations with high doses of INHALED steroids
Hematology & Oncology mistletoe for breast cancer
Hematology & Oncology melatonin might help prevent or treat breast cancer
Shortages Drug shortages are becoming more common