Do statins cause rhabdomyolysis?
Yes. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are commonly associated with mild myositis, and, rarely, can progress to severe rhabdomyolysis.
This may be more common in those who have other risk factors or with drug–drug interactions that increase statin levels (e.g., calcineurin inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics, antifungals).
It has been suggested that statins cause muscle cell damage by inhibiting coenzyme Q and the electron transport chain, interfering with ATP generation.
Statin-induced myositis can occur within days of starting the drug but has been described years later.
Muscle pain is a common reason to discontinue statin use.
