Cerivastatin
Cerivastatin was a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hyperlipidemia. It worked by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production. Due to safety concerns, this medication was withdrawn from the global market in 2001.
Cerivastatin was a cholesterol-lowering statin that was discontinued due to an unacceptable risk of severe muscle damage.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C10AA06
- RxNorm
- 596723
- Generic
- Cerivastatin
- Class
- atc-c10
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol) and mixed dyslipidemia, typically used when diet and exercise modifications were insufficient. Intended for patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cerivastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, blocking the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This leads to increased LDL receptor activity and reduced circulating LDL cholesterol levels.
This medication was voluntarily withdrawn from all markets worldwide in 2001 due to reports of severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and associated kidney failure, particularly when combined with gemfibrozil. It is no longer available for prescription. Patients currently on statin therapy should consult their healthcare provider about safer alternatives.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy