Rhabdomyolysis associated with concomitant use of colchicine and statins in the real world: identifying the likelihood of drug–drug interactions through the FDA adverse event reporting system

Background Currently, there remains substantial controversy in research regarding whether the concomitant use of colchicine and statins increases the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis, warranting further substantiation. Objective This study aimed to identify the likelihood drug-drug interactions (DDIs) for the co-administration of colchicine and statins resulting in rhabdomyolysis. Methods A disproportionality analysis was conducted by using data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to detect rhabdomyolysis signals associated with the combined use of colchicine and statins. The association between (colchicine/statins/colchicine and statins) and rhabdomyolysis were evaluated using information component (IC). DDI signals were calculated based on the Ω shrinkage measure and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) method. Furthermore, stratification was performed based on colchicine and individual statins agents. Results In total, 11,119 reports of rhabdomyolysis were identified in the FAERS database, 255 (2.29%) involved both colchicine and statins. Our analysis showed potential DDI signals of rhabdomyolysis (Ω 025 = 1.17) among individuals concurrent use of colchicine and statins. Moreover, further drug-specific analysis suggests DDI signals in the colchicine-atorvastatin pair (Ω 025 = 1.12), and colchicine-rosuvastatin pair (Ω 025 = 1.05), along with a higher proportion of rhabdomyolysis (IC 025 = 5.20) and (IC 025 = 4.26), respectively. Conclusion The findings suggest that concomitant use of colchicine and statins may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis, particularly when combined with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. Therefore, healthcare professionals should pay special attention to life-threatening AE such as rhabdomyolysis, when co-prescribing colchicine statins.