Cerivastatin Sodium (CAS 145599-86-6) Suppliers and Product Information

Cerivastatin sodium is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. It was voluntarily withdrawn from the market worldwide in 2001 due to reports of severe muscle toxicity (rhabdomyolysis).

Frequently Asked Questions about Cerivastatin Sodium

Q: What was cerivastatin used for?

A: Cerivastatin was used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. It belongs to the statin class of lipid-lowering medications.

Q: Why was cerivastatin withdrawn from the market?

A: Cerivastatin was voluntarily withdrawn worldwide in 2001 due to reports of fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe form of muscle toxicity. The risk of this complication was 16 to 80 times higher with cerivastatin compared to other statins.

Q: How does cerivastatin work?

A: Cerivastatin works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the liver that converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate. This reduces cholesterol production in liver cells.

Q: What are the main side effects associated with cerivastatin?

A: The most serious side effect associated with cerivastatin was rhabdomyolysis, which could lead to kidney failure. The risk was higher in patients using fibrates (especially gemfibrozil) and at higher doses of cerivastatin.