Do statins increase creatine kinase levels?
STOMP demonstrated that high-dose statin treatment for 3 and 6 months increased CK levels in healthy adults by 27 and 21 U/L, respectively, but did not impair skeletal muscle function or exercise performance [2].
What percent of patients taking statins will experience myopathy?
However, statin-associated myopathy affects up to 10% of patients receiving statin therapy. Although considered a minor adverse effect, it may have a significant effect on patient adherence to statin therapy.
Does atorvastatin increase CPK?
Atorvastatin 20 mg produced higher CPK levels than rosuvastatin 10 mg (p = 0.002). A substantial increase in CPK levels was found with rosuvastatin 20 mg and atorvastatin 20 mg usage (p > 0.001).
Can myopathy caused by statins be reversed?
While myopathy caused by statins can be mild and can be reversed when the medication is discontinued, it may present as rhabdomyolysis or severe muscle damage.
When do you check CK on statins?
If the patient is receiving a statin and fibrate combination therapy CK is monitored every 6 months due to the increased risk of myopathy.
How do you know if you have muscle damage from statins?
Rhabdomyolysis or milder forms of muscle inflammation from statins can be diagnosed with a blood test measuring levels of the enzyme creatinine kinase. If you notice moderate or severe muscle aches after starting to take a statin, contact your doctor.
Should you have regular blood tests if taking statins?
Before you start taking statins, your doctor should carry out a blood test to ensure your liver is in a relatively good condition. You should also have a routine blood test to check the health of your liver 3 months after treatment begins, and undergo another after 12 months.
What does statin myopathy feel like?
Statin-related muscle pain, if it happens at all, usually happens within the first few months after you start the drug or raise the dose. You may feel a constant soreness or weakness in your shoulders, thighs, hips, or calves. If you’re like most people, it’ll affect both sides of your body equally.
What level of CK is concerning?
In a healthy adult, the serum CK level varies with a number of factors (gender, race and activity), but normal range is 22 to 198 U/L (units per liter). Higher amounts of serum CK can indicate muscle damage due to chronic disease or acute muscle injury.
When should I stop taking statins with elevated CK?
Statin treatment should be discontinued immediately if an elevated CK level is found (i.e. CK >10 x upper limit of normal6), or where myopathy is suspected or diagnosed. If there is a moderate rise in the CK level (i.e. 3-10 x upper limit of normal) then monitor CK levels weekly and seek specialist advice.
Which muscles are most affected by statins?
Within a month of starting statin therapy, they may feel aches or weakness in the large muscles of their arms, shoulders, thighs or buttocks on both sides of the body. About 5 to 10% of people who try statins are affected. It’s more common in the elderly, in women and in those taking the more potent statins.
What labs to monitor while on statins?
Your doctor will carry out a blood test to measure a substance in your blood called creatine kinase (CK), which is released into the blood when your muscles are inflamed or damaged. If the level of CK in your blood is more than 5 times the normal level, your doctor may advise you to stop taking the statin.
How do you know if statins are affecting your muscles?
One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain. You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your muscles. The pain can be a mild discomfort, or it can be severe enough to make your daily activities difficult.
Is muscle damage from statins reversible?
Often the only way to halt the effects of statins on your muscle cells is to stop taking the medications. Symptoms tend to disappear within 3 months after you stop taking statins, with no permanent damage in most cases. But a 2018 study suggests that in rare cases, some muscle damage isn’t reversible.
Do statins cause myopathy with normal creatine kinase levels?
Recent reports suggest that statins may cause myopathy with normal creatine kinase levels. We describe four related patients with statin-assoc … Trøseid M, Henriksen OA, Lindal S. Statin-associated myopathy with normal creatine kinase levels – case report from a Norwegian family.
What is the normal range of CK level for myopathy?
CK >10 x upper limit of normal), or where myopathy is suspected or diagnosed. If there is a moderate rise in the CK level (i.e. 3-10 x upper limit of normal) then monitor CK levels weekly and seek specialist advice.
What is the rate of incidence of statin myopathy?
In randomized controlled trials, the incidence of statin myopathy is ~1.5–5.0% (3). However, this low incidence may be misleading for several reasons. First, in most studies patients with a history of statin intolerance were excluded.
Do statins cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in patients with muscle pain?
Reports of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with statins are a reminder to prescribers to measure creatine kinase (CK) levels in patients presenting with muscle pain or weakness. The risk of myopathy may be increased by high doses of statins, especially in patients with co-morbidities, or in the presence of interacting medicines such as diltiazem.