FDA Updates Warning of Statin Drug Combinations

Statins may cause harmful muscle damage when combined with certain HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C drugs, said a new warning from the FDA.

Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin were specifically mentioned in the warning, which also restated the dangers of mixing lovastatin with HIV and HCV drugs. 

The combination of these drugs with protease inhibitors increases the concentration of statins in the blood, raising the risk of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis, causing kidney damage. 

“Healthcare professionals should refer to the current drug labels for protease inhibitors and statins for the latest recommendations on prescribing these drugs,” the warning said.  “Patients should contact their healthcare professional if they have any questions or concerns about taking protease inhibitors and statins.”

For an updated chart on statin dose limitations, see the full FDA warning. 

-Michael Potts