Relative safety profiles of high dose statin regimens.
Recent clinical trials recommend achieving a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of <100 mg/dl in high-risk and <70 mg/dl in very high risk patients. To attain these goals, however, many patients will need statins at high doses. The most frequent side effects related to the use of statins, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and increased levels of transaminases, are unusual. Although low and moderate doses show a favourable profile, there is concern about the tolerability of higher doses. During recent years, numerous trials to analyze the efficacy and tolerability of high doses of statins have been published. This paper updates the published data on the safety of statins at high doses.
Escobar
Carlos
C
Department of Cardiology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal Madrid, Spain.
Echarri
Rocio
R
Barrios
Vivencio
V
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000008:administration & dosage
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D019821:Simvastatin