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Statin muscle symptoms — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCardiovascular TherapeuticsStatin muscle symptomsGPhC CRA

A patient taking atorvastatin 80 mg daily is prescribed a 14-day course of oral fusidic acid for osteomyelitis. Which statin timetable matches MHRA advice?

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Correct answer: AStop atorvastatin throughout and restart seven days after fusidic acid ends

Systemic fusidic acid must not be combined with any statin because potentially fatal rhabdomyolysis has occurred. When systemic fusidic acid is essential, atorvastatin is stopped for the entire antibiotic course. MHRA advises waiting seven days after the final systemic fusidic-acid dose before restarting the statin to allow antibiotic clearance; changing to simvastatin does not avoid the class interaction.

Reference: MHRA systemic fusidic acid and statins: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/systemic-fusidic-acid-and-interaction-with-statins