Statins

Did you know that it is estimated that over 40 million Americans take a statin? That makes it one of the most commonly prescribed class of medications in the United States. The most common side effect associated with statins is myopathy or muscle pain with reports suggesting an estimated 10 to 25% of patients will experience some form of statin associated muscle symptom (SAMS). SAMS can range from mild muscle pain to fatal rhabdomyolysis or muscle breakdown. So why is it that some experience SAMS and other don’t? The answer may be in your genes! Variations of the SLCO1B1, ABCG2, and CYP2C9 genes have been shown to affect systemic statin exposure and thus the likelihood and severity of SAMS. A pharmacogenomics test of these gene variants can provide valuable information to the clinician when selecting which statin and statin dose is most appropriate for the patient.