severe muscle pain in patients taking both gemfibrozil (Lopid) and Baycol or other statins

May 2001

Are you seeing more cases of severe muscle pain in patients taking both gemfibrozil (Lopid) and Baycol or other statins?

This combo is being used more these days...for patients who need to lower both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

The problem is that each drug can cause muscle damage. The risk is very low...but it's a bit higher when the drugs are combined.

Get concise advice on drug therapy, plus unlimited access to CE

Pharmacist's Letter membership benefits include:

12 issues every year — what you need to know and do, right now
Quick, practical reference charts and tools
Comprehensive CE library to meet license renewal and state requirements
Multiple course formats including live webinars, podcasts, and CE-in-the-Letter to match your learning style
Plus much more!

Choose the right tier for your needs today.

Subscribe Today!

Already a subscriber? Log in

Volume pricing available. Get a quote

Table of Contents

many patients are getting drug doses that are too high
Diabetes Lantus, the new long-acting "peakless" insulin
Alzheimer's Disease new Alzheimer's drug, Reminyl
Ophthalmology glaucoma patients using two new eyedrops called Lumigan (bimatoprost) and Travatan (travoprost)
Ophthalmology patients getting severe migraines after using Xalatan (latanoprost) eyedrops
Respiratory & Allergy LESS frequent use of antibiotics for treating acute exacerbations of COPD
Cardiology severe muscle pain in patients taking both gemfibrozil (Lopid) and Baycol or other statins
Cardiology more unstable angina patients on Plavix and aspirin
Gastroenterology dose of Pepcid needs to be reduced even in patients with MODERATE renal impairment
Gastroenterology Protonix IV (pantoprazole), the first INTRAVENOUS proton pump inhibitor
Pediatrics rickets is making a comeback
Infectious Diseases Valcyte (valganciclovir) tablets, an improved version of oral Cytovene (ganciclovir)
Infectious Diseases TMP/SMX (Bactrim, Septra) for head lice
Hematology & Oncology mistletoe for breast cancer
Hematology & Oncology melatonin might help prevent or treat breast cancer
Shortages Drug shortages are becoming more common