Assessment of effect statin-drug interactions in cardiology outpatient department in Teaching Hospital Surabaya

Abstract

Background: HMG-CoA inhibitors, more commonly known as statins, are lipid-lowering agents that have benefits in cardiovascular therapy. Stains are associated with two significant side effects, asymptomatic elevations of liver enzymes and myopathy. Myopathy is the most likely to occur when statins are prescribed with other drugs. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of drug interactions between statins and concomitant drugs in outpatient cardiovascular patients. Methods: This study conducted in a prospective cohort. Checking drug interactions was done through the Lexicomp Drug Interactions software and patient’s complaints were taken thorough interviews. Results: There were 69 patients included in the study sample. A total of 16 patients received atorvastatin, and 53 patients received simvastatin. More than half of sample (59%) have statin-drug interactions. The most drug interactions were severe (41%), followed by moderate (22%) and mild (10%). The most interacting drugs were amlodipine and diltiazem. Based on the results of interview, there were no complaint of myopathy felt by patient. Conclusion: The effects of drug interactions still need to be considered even though the patients did not complain of myopathy in this study. Several factors can determine the impact of drug interactions not experienced by the patient.