Pharmacogenetics consortium updates statin dosing guideline to account for three genes
The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium published updated recommendations in 2022 for using SLCO1B1, ABCG2, and CYP2C9 genotypes to guide prescribing of seven statins and lower the risk of musculoskeletal side effects. The guideline replaces earlier versions from 2012 and 2014 that addressed only SLCO1B1 and simvastatin. Genetic variants in SLCO1B1, ABCG2, and CYP2C9 affect how the body absorbs, transports, and metabolizes statins, which can raise blood levels of the drugs and increase the chance of muscle symptoms. Those symptoms often lead patients to stop taking statins. The consortium provides dosing advice for simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, pitavastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, and lovastatin based on a patient's genotype.
Doctors can use genotype data to pick statins and doses that are less likely to cause muscle symptoms in patients with susceptibility variants, which may improve long-term adherence and cardiovascular outcomes.
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source cited and linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].