monitor with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)

Monitor

• liver function tests (baseline, 12 weeks, then yearly)
  • slight difference in recommendations for each statin
  • discontinue if ALT or AST > 3x upper limit of normal
  • increased liver function tests (< 10-fold normal) NOT associated with increased risk of hepatotoxicity
• creatine kinase
  • baseline levels on ALL patients
  • recheck patients who develop myalgias or brown urine
  • discontinue if 10x upper limit of normal
  • monitor elevated levels < 10x normal weekly
  • routine monitoring NOT recommended
• lipid panel 6-8 weeks after initiation or increasing dose
• serum TSH & if myalgia or muscle weakness

More general terms

• monitor with drug