statin intolerance
Inability to tolerate statin therapy due to adverse effects, most commonly muscle-related symptoms.
Full Definition
Statin intolerance refers to the inability to continue statin therapy due to adverse effects that resolve with statin discontinuation and recur with rechallenge. The most common manifestation is statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), including myalgia, muscle weakness, or rarely rhabdomyolysis. True statin intolerance is estimated to occur in 5-10% of patients, though perceived intolerance may be higher due to the nocebo effect. Management strategies include statin rechallenge with lower doses, alternate-day dosing, different statin formulations, or switching to non-statin lipid-lowering therapies. The diagnosis should be confirmed through structured rechallenge protocols when possible, as many patients can successfully tolerate alternative statin regimens.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between true intolerance and perceived intolerance; formal rechallenge protocols help confirm diagnosis.
In Context
- "After confirming statin intolerance through rechallenge, the patient was started on ezetimibe monotherapy." — Lipid management consultation
- "The structured approach to statin intolerance evaluation revealed that 60% of patients could tolerate alternative regimens." — Clinical outcomes study