skip to main content

Statin muscle symptoms — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsStatin muscle symptomsGPhC CRA

A 54-year-old woman started atorvastatin 40mg daily six weeks ago after a QRISK3 review. She now reports widespread muscle pain and dark urine after increasing exercise. What monitoring is required?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Check creatine kinase and assess for rhabdomyolysis symptoms

Muscle pain with dark urine raises concern about severe statin-associated muscle injury and possible rhabdomyolysis. Creatine kinase is the relevant test to assess muscle injury. The patient also needs clinical assessment and renal function review if rhabdomyolysis is suspected. INR, calcium and peak flow do not address the main safety concern.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS