FDA officials have cautioned health-care specialists against prescribing simvastatin for patients who are also taking amiodarone.

According to FDA's recent report, taking higher-than-20-milligram doses of simvastatin (Zocor or Vytorin) while taking amiodarone can trigger rhabdomyolysis, the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure and even death.

The risk of muscle injury associated with simvastatin, a medication used to lower blood cholesterol levels, has been on the drug's label since 2002.

FDA officials urge physicians to prescribe statins other than simvastatin for patients who are taking the heart rhythm drug, amiodarone (also marketed as Cordarone or Pacerone) in order to control cholesterol levels.

PKH/HGH