Imatinib increased the maximum
serum levels of
simvastatin 2-fold and the AUC 3.5-fold in one study.
These rises increase the risk of
simvastatin toxicity (most notably myopathy and rhabdomyolysis), for which reason the
simvastatin dosage should be reduced appropriately. Patients should be counselled regarding myopathy (e.g. report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness).