Statins Affect the Risk for Daptomycin-Associated Myopathy

Statin-daptomycin co-administration is independently associated with the development of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, according to a new study.

To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed data on 3042 adults and children who visited a single center from 2004 to 2015. Participants who developed myopathy—defined as creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values above the upper limit of normal—during daptomycin treatment were matched 1:1 to controls who did not have myopathy and had at least the same therapy duration.

Of the 3042 participants, 128 (4.2%, 121 of whom were adults) had daptomycin-associated myopathy and 25 (0.8%) had rhabdomyolysis. CPK began to rise after a mean therapy duration of 16.7 days.

Statin co-administration, as well as deep abscess treatment and antihistamine co-administration, were independent risk factors for myopathy.

The researchers also determined that statin co-administration and obesity are independent risk factors for rhabdomyolysis. Older age is associated with a reduced risk.

“This is the first study to provide strong evidence supporting this association,” the researchers concluded. “During coadministration, we recommend twice-weekly CPK monitoring and consideration of withholding statins.”

—Colleen Murphy

For more Pharmacy Learning Network articles, visit the homepage

To learn about Pharmacy Learning Network Live meetings, click here