[Myopathy caused by inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase].

INTRODUCTION

Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) Reductase inhibitors are a group of drugs widely used for hypercholesterolemia. They are known to originate side-effects on muscles but with a very low incidence of myopathy.

CLINICAL CASE: We present two cases of myopathy induced by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. They are two women, who were on 20 mg daily of lovastatin and 30 mg daily of simvastatin and consulted due to weakness, myalgia and a rise in blood levels of muscle enzymes. Both of them recovered completely a few weeks after withdrawal of the drugs.

COMMENTS: Usage of this group of drugs is wide. Their side effects are rare but it is important to remember their capacity to induce a myopathy, usually reversible upon withdrawal of the drug.