Simvastatin monotherapy as a potential option for statin‐associated muscle symptoms: a case report. (18th July 2016) - Qu, H.
Summary: What is known and objectives: Choosing an alternative statin is recommended when managing statin‐associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and new hydrophilic statins are often suggested. We report on a case of statin‐associated muscle damage that was successfully managed by simplifying the patient's combination therapy with simvastatin–ezetimibe to simvastatin alone. Case summary: The patient experienced SAMS when he was successively treated with atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, Xuezhikang capsule and combined simvastatin/ezetimibe therapy. However, the patient tolerated simvastatin therapy well even at a dose of 40 mg/day. What is new and conclusion: Our case suggests that patients with SAMS who are intolerant to a wide variety of statins may be successfully managed with simvastatin monotherapy. Abstract : In this case, the patient with statin‐associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) tolerated simvastatin therapy well, even though he could not tolerate atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, Xuezhikang capsule and combined simvastatin/ezetimibe therapy. Thus, we think that simvastatin, a lipophilic statin, may be a good choice for the patient with SAMS who is intolerant to a wide variety of other statins.