title: Statin intolerance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Adherence to hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy correlates with cardiovascular mortality. Muscle symptoms are the most significant side-effects of statin therapy. This review article summarizes the current concepts of the diagnosis and clinical work-up of patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  SAMS represent a major barrier to maintain long-term persistence to statin treatment. SAMS reduce the quality of life and rare complications may extend to rhabdomyolysis. The molecular pathology of SAMS is heterogeneous. After exclusion of other causes of muscle symptoms the main principle of treatment is re-exposure to very low dose of statin and slow uptitration until the maximally tolerated dose is established. Using this approach the vast majority of patients can be treated with statins long term. For patients with SAMS that are not at low-density lipoproteins (LDL) goal with their maximally tolerated dose of statin combination therapy with ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 inhibitors are available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Time and care is needed to address SAMS because they impair drug adherence. For most patients it is possible to continue the statin therapy. However, combination therapy is wanted if the maximally tolerated statin dose is not sufficient to reach LDL targets.
authors.affiliation: aKlinik Innere Medizin III (Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin), Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, GermanybClinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, AustriacMedical Clinic V (Nephrology, Hypertensiology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Diabetology), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, HeidelbergdSynlab Academy, Synlab Services GmbH, Mannheim and Augsburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Laufs
authors.forename: Hubert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Scharnagl
authors.forename: Winfried
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: März
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D012449:Safety; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors