Several drugs can elevate creatine kinase (CK) levels in the blood, indicating muscle damage. This list is not exhaustive, and the degree of CK elevation can vary significantly depending on the individual, dosage, and other factors.
Here are some drug classes and specific examples known to be associated with increased CK levels:
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Statins: Commonly used to lower cholesterol, statins are a well-known cause of myopathy (muscle disease) and elevated CK. Examples include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor).
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Fibrates: Another class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that can increase CK levels, especially when combined with statins. Examples include gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor).
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Anti-retrovirals: Certain medications used to treat HIV can cause muscle damage and elevated CK.
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Beta Blockers: While less common, some beta-blockers have been associated with increased CK levels.
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Clozapine: An atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, clozapine can, in rare cases, lead to myositis and elevated CK.
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Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Medications used to treat high blood pressure; have rare associations with increased CK levels. Examples include losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan).
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Hydroxychloroquine: An anti-malarial drug and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; can cause myopathy and elevated CK.
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Isotretinoin: A retinoid used to treat severe acne; can sometimes cause muscle aches and increased CK.
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Colchicine: Used to treat gout and other inflammatory conditions; known to cause myopathy and elevated CK levels.
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Illicit Drugs:
- MDMA (Ecstasy): Can cause rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and significantly elevated CK.
- Cocaine and Amphetamines: Stimulants that can also lead to rhabdomyolysis and elevated CK.
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Other Medications:
- Daptomycin: An antibiotic that can cause myopathy and increased CK.
- Interferon-alpha: Used to treat certain viral infections and cancers; can cause myositis and increased CK.
It's important to note that recent intramuscular injections can also temporarily increase CK levels due to localized muscle trauma.
If you are taking any of these medications and experience muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine, it is crucial to contact your doctor immediately to have your CK levels checked. They can determine if the symptoms are drug-related and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
