The FDA warns that a statin drug might cause death
The Black Knight…
Say those three words to a Monty Python fan and he’ll probably reply in his best over-the-top British accent, “It’s just a flesh wound!”
In the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” King Arthur crosses swords with the fierce and imposing Black Knight. Arthur cuts him to pieces. Literally. But each time a new fatal wound is inflicted (an arm lopped off here, another arm, etc.) the Black Knight annoys Arthur by taunting him to resume fighting.
Arthur: “You’ve got no arms left!”
Black Knight: “It’s just a flesh wound!”
I thought of the Black Knight when I read about a new FDA warning: The highest dosage of Zocor (a cholesterol-lowering statin drug) prompts increased risk of myopathy (muscle injury), including rhabdomyolysis.
The agency explains: “Rhabdomyolysis is the most serious form of myopathy and can lead to severe kidney damage, kidney failure, and sometimes death.”
Wow! It’s going to be hard to candy-coat that one! But Dr. Gregg Fonarow gives it a try.
Dr. Fonarow (a UCLA cardiovascular professor) told HealthDay News, “Patients shouldn’t lose sight of the benefits of statin use.”
And there he is–the Black Knight.
First we were told that statins might cause muscle pain. Then it was muscle injury. And now, with 80 mg Zocor, it might be severe kidney damage, kidney failure, and death.
But don’t lose sight of the benefits!
It’s just a flesh wound!
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Sources:
“FDA Warns about Increased Risk of Muscle Injury with Zocor” FDA News Release, 3/19/10, fda.gov
“High-Dose Zocor Boosts Muscle Injury Risk: FDA” Steven Reinberg, HealthDay News, 3/19/10, healthday.com
