Endocrinology & Metabolic Syndrome
Open Access

Abstract

Prevalence of Myopathy in Subjects on Statin Therapy Attending the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Jordan

Yazan Khlief, Dana Hyassat, Mohammed Liswi, Hashem Jaddou and Kamel Ajlouni

Objective: This study aims to find the prevalence and risk factors of myopathy in subjects on statin therapy.

Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on 1046 subjects on statin therapy for dyslipidemia who were attending the National center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics [NCDEG] in Jordan between Sep. and Dec. 2012. Questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, medical history and muscular symptoms.

Results: The prevalence of muscular symptoms among subjects taking statin was 27.9%, when subjects referred their muscular symptoms to statin the prevalence drop to 16.4%. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed significant association between muscular symptoms and hypothyroidism, taking medication or substances that are known to interact with statin treatment [Fibrates, Verapamil, Amiodarone, Warfarin, Digoxin or Grapefruit juice [>1 quart/day]], and allopurinol therapy.

Conclusions: Statin use is significantly associated with high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain [27.9%]. Although many clinicians perceive myalgia as a minor adverse effect, its clinical significance should not be underestimated, as myalgia could be a major obstacle to treatment adherence.