Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis: a cautionary tale for high-dose rosuvastatin

Abstract

Statins are a widely prescribed lipid-lowering agent for preventing adverse cardiovascular events. However, a major side effect is rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue, which can cause acute kidney injury and death. We present a case of a 77-year-old Chinese woman who was started on 40 mg rosuvastatin post-percutaneous coronary intervention and ultimately developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury one month later. This case highlights the need to consider patient risk factors for developing statin-induced rhabdomyolysis when choosing the right dose of statin to prescribe.