title: Statin-associated adverse effects beyond muscle and liver toxicity.
abstract: Randomized controlled trials with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have consistently demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Statins are currently the most widely used drugs in many countries. The most important adverse effects are associated with muscle and liver toxicity. However, with increased use and dose of statins and their over-the-counter availability in some countries more cases of other rare side effects may be seen in clinical practice. In the present article we review the literature concerning the statin-related adverse effects other than muscle and liver injury and we provide insight into their clinical relevance and possible underlying mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Kiortsis
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Filippatos
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mikhailidis
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Elisaf
authors.forename: E N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Liberopoulos
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism*; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors