Severe rhabdomyolysis following co-administration of simvastatin and fluconazole in an HIV-positive man

We report a case of rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in a 43-year-old man newly diagnosed with HIV and hepatitis B co-infection. Rhabdomyolysis was possibly induced by co-administration of simvastatin and fluconazole. Underlying hepatitis may have increased the risk of rhabdomyolysis by decreasing the metabolism of simvastatin. Few case reports link the development of rhabdomyolysis with the co-administration of these two drugs. This case calls for extra pharmacovigilance with proper patient education when prescribing drugs with potential for adverse interactions. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine Vol. 9 (3) 2008: pp. 53-5