What is the risk of myopathy for a patient with the *5 variant allele in the SLCO1B1 gene when treated with simvastatin?

Study for the Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist Exam. Utilize flashcards and answer multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare efficiently for your certification!

The *5 variant allele in the SLCO1B1 gene is associated with an increased risk of myopathy in patients receiving simvastatin. This gene encodes for a liver transporter important for the uptake of statins, such as simvastatin, into hepatocytes. When the SLCO1B1 transporter is less effective due to the *5 variant, it leads to higher concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream because less is taken up by the liver for metabolism.

This accumulation can increase the likelihood of statin-related side effects, particularly muscle-related issues like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, individuals with the *5 variant allele are at a heightened risk for developing these adverse effects when treated with simvastatin, confirming the association of this allele with an increase in risk.

While the choice mentioning decreased effectiveness in LDL lowering may seem relevant, the primary focus is on the risk of myopathy, hence the selection of increased risk as the primary concern for these patients.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy