Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis and its management – A case report

Statins are generally used to prevent coronary artery disease and dramatically reduce the levels of low-density lipoproteins compared to previously employed methods. A known side effect of statins is rhabdomyolysis typically manifests elevation in creatine kinase. Here we discuss a 63-year-old man who presented with left-sided chest pain spreading to the left arm, trouble breathing, vomiting, and elevated perspiration was diagnosed with Acute Myocardial Infarction and was treated with simvastatin in a Lalpet Healthcare Center, Tamilnadu, India. Later, developed rhabdomyolysis, a known and rare side effect of statin, which was treated with 500mL/h of saline solution, 500mL/h of 5% glucose solution, and 50mmol of sodium bicarbonate. The main therapeutic objective is to prevent the causes that lead to Acute Kidney Injury. Muscle toxicity is the common ADR of increased doses of statin therapy worldwide; in that case, statin therapy should be stopped immediately, and patients need to receive symptomatic care if they experience significant muscle complaints or rhabdomyolysis. This treatment comprises administering sufficient fluid resuscitation, keeping track of urine output, and treating electrolyte abnormalities, particularly hyperkalemia. For statin overdose, there is no known remedy. Patients need to start retaking low-dose statins after recovering from an overdose. This instance emphasizes the significance of understanding complicated drug therapy interactions in an era of growing multi-drug practices and the discouragement that can occur when these interactions are disregarded. Reporting this study is more significant because rhabdomyolysis is a severe and fatal condition caused by the statins drugs used to treat and prevent coronary artery disease.