ModerateHMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)×HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
Updated · Methodology
Mechanism
Dual statin therapy – doubling the same pharmacological class with additive myopathy risk and no therapeutic benefit.
Symptoms
Pain and weakness in large muscle groups (thighs, shoulders, calves), dark urine, elevated creatine kinase. Symptoms usually appear 2–6 weeks after starting the combination.
Management
The combination is not prescribed. Use one statin titrated to LDL target. If LDL is not at goal on the maximum statin dose, add ezetimibe or a PCSK9 inhibitor, not a second statin.
Check the full regimen, not just this pair
Opens the checker with these two drugs prefilled. Add the rest of the regimen and recompute additive risks.
Summary of a multi-drug list →
Medicine list: everything you take in one place →
Sources
- FDA: Lipitor (atorvastatin) prescribing information (2017)– ; DailyMed setid a60cc18b-0631-4cf0-b021-9f52224ece65