Tag: Myopathy

In 1987, the FDA approved zidovudine (AZT), marking the first antiretroviral drug for HIV/AIDS treatment. While a significant medical breakthrough at the time, its early use was associated with substantial toxicity, leading many to question **what are the side effects of AZT**. Early formulations and dosages led to frequent and sometimes severe adverse reactions, though modern treatment strategies have significantly improved its tolerability.

Reported frequencies of idiosyncratic drug reactions (IDRs) can be as low as 1 in 10,000 to 100,000 individuals, making them notoriously difficult to detect during clinical trials. This unpredictability and rarity mean that what are some examples of idiosyncratic drug reactions are often only discovered after a medication is on the market. These unique and severe responses, which are unrelated to a drug's known pharmacology, pose a significant challenge in patient safety.

While extremely rare, the incidence of hospitalized rhabdomyolysis for patients on statin monotherapy is about 0.44 per 10,000 person-years [1.2.1]. The critical question remains for many patients: **can cholesterol medication cause rhabdomyolysis**, and what are the risks?

Fenofibrate is a widely prescribed medication for managing high triglycerides and mixed dyslipidemia [1.4.4]. A key question for patients and clinicians is, **Can fenofibrate increase CK?** Yes, fenofibrate can cause an increase in creatine phosphokinase (CK), though significant elevations are less common [1.4.3, 1.3.1].

Affecting millions of people worldwide, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels are often treated with medications like fenofibrate. However, understanding **what are the main side effects of fenofibrate** is crucial for safe and effective treatment.

While statins are highly effective for managing cholesterol, muscle-related side effects are a frequently reported concern. For those taking atorvastatin, understanding what are the side effects of atorvastatin in the legs, including their potential severity and management, is crucial for maintaining both heart health and quality of life.

According to research, high-dose or long-term prednisone use is a known risk factor for avascular necrosis, a condition where bone tissue dies from lack of blood supply, and this can cause shoulder pain. It is essential to be aware of the potential musculoskeletal complications associated with this powerful corticosteroid medication.

In 2019 alone, over 2.7 million prescriptions for colchicine and 112.3 million for statins were filled in the United States, making their combination increasingly common [1.4.4]. If you've been prescribed both, you may wonder, '**Can I take colchicine and atorvastatin together?**'

In a study of statin-induced myopathy, colchicine was the second-most-common interacting drug, highlighting the importance of understanding the question: Can I take colchicine with atorvastatin? [1.4.1] Combining these drugs requires caution due to a significant interaction risk [1.2.1].

Corticosteroids like prednisone are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, but a 2014 study found that 65% of patients on daily steroid regimens for over a year reported leg weakness. This highlights a common paradox: a medication used to treat joint pain can, over time, lead to significant muscle and bone issues that make joints feel weak after taking prednisone.