title: [The selection of a drug in a defined therapeutic class: the case of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors].
abstract: The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have similar therapeutic targets and indications. However, their potential pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction profile may play a significant role in their safety profile in polymedicated and polymorbid patients and can serve as a selection criterion. If their utility is clearly demonstrated in selected conditions, their safety profile remains of concern. Beside dose-related hepatic and muscular injury, other rare and important adverse drug reactions have been reported after prolonged administration such as polyneuropathy, fibrotic interstitial pulmonary disease and lupus-like syndrome. Teratogenicity has also been associated with statin therapy.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Girardin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Desmeules
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dayer
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors