A patient with known hyperlipidemia, taking clofibrate, presents to your office complaining of severe myalgias and weakness. He has noted a dark color to his urine. The laboratory calls with a panic value CPK of 8500. He was recently started on a new medication, four days earlier. Which of the following is most likely the new medication?
- lovastatin
- hydrochlorothiazide
- dexamethasone
- phenytoin
- ampicillin
Answer: A
Lovastatin
Statin + fibrate = suspicion for rhabdomyolysis in a patient with myalgias, ALWAYS order a CPK. (statin alone, or fibrate alone may cause it too, but the combination is most likely)
Know Your Content Blueprint
Hyperlipidemia is covered in the NCCPA™ Content Blueprint Endocrinology (6%)
Learn more about the two endocrine topics covered under lipid disorders and take note of these important "pearls" at SMARTY PANCE Lipid Disorders (PEARLS)
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