Atorvastatin induced liver injury: A Case Series

Abstract

Atorvastatin is the most widely used statin for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It belongs to the class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. One of the most significant side effects of statins is liver injury. Liver injury as evidenced by elevation in liver enzymes occurs in some patients treated with atorvastatin 10mg to 80mg. Therefore, Liver function tests (LFTs) need to be assessed before initiating atorvastatin therapy and to be repeated thereafter. Here we discuss three cases of liver enzyme elevations within 24hrs of atorvastatin treatment. Liver enzymes were completely returned to baseline after discontinuing the therapy. The risk factors of atorvastatin induced liver injury are increased age, chronic diseases, and coadministration of drugs metabolised by Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzyme.