Are statins really wonder drugs?
Statins [3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase], are wonder drugs that have reshaped the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular diseases. However, evidence from various studies indicates existence of many statin-induced side effects such as myopathies, rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, impaired myocardial contractility, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Physician awareness of these side effects is reported to be very low even for the adverse effects (AEs) most widely reported by patients. This can lead to incorrect treatment decisions, compromised patient care, and an increase in patient morbidity. Therefore, the aim of this article is to highlight the AEs of statin therapy as well as rational management of these complications to further improve safety of these excellent drugs.
Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, Sri Gobind Tricentenary Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
Harpreet Singh
HS
Grover
Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, Sri Gobind Tricentenary Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India. Electronic address: shaillyluthra@gmail.com.
Shailly
S
Luthra
Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, Sri Gobind Tricentenary Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
Shruti
S
Maroo
D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
adverse effects; diabetes; hepatotoxicity; myopathy; neuropathy; statins