Perform LFT before initiation of treatment & periodically thereafter. Reduce dose or w/draw if increase in transaminases is >3x ULN persist. Patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol &/or have history of liver disease. Prior hemorrhagic stroke or lacunar infarct. Pre-disposing factors for rhabdomyolysis. Measure creatine kinase (CK) level before starting statin treatment in: Renal impairment, hypothyroidism, personal or familial history of hereditary muscular disorders, previous history of muscular toxicity w/ a statin or fibrate, previous history of liver disease &/or where substantial quantities of alcohol are consumed, elderly >70 yr, situations where an increase in plasma levels may occur. Remeasure CK levels within 5-7 days if significantly elevated at baseline (>5x ULN). Discontinue use if clinically significant elevation of CK levels (>10x ULN) occur, or rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected. Concomitant use w/ drugs that may increase plasma conc eg, potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 or transport proteins (eg, ciclosporine, telithromycin, clarithromycin, delavirdine, stiripentol, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole & HIV PIs including ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, indinavir, darunavir; gemfibrozil & other fibric acid derivatives, boceprevir, erythromycin, niacin, ezetimibe, telaprevir or tipranavir/ritonavir; fusidic acid. Interstitial lung disease. DM. Galactose intolerance, Lapp lactose deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.