Addressing statin adverse effects in the clinic: the 5 Ms.
With the release of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults, emphasis has been placed on using evidence-based intensity of therapy to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, rather than focusing on goal cholesterol levels. Before initiating therapy, however, it is critical that physicians and patients discuss 4 key topics: (1) the benefit of ASCVD risk reduction, (2) medication adverse effects, (3) drug-drug interactions, and (4) patient preferences. To facilitate discussion of statin adverse effects, we present here an evidence-based review of the 5 Ms of statin adverse effects: metabolism, muscle, medication interactions, major organ effects, and memory. "Metabolism" represents the small risk of new-onset diabetes that comes with statins, which is highest in those with diabetes risk factors. "Muscle" requires discussion of the wide range of muscle symptoms that occur with statins but emphasizes that these have been no more prevalent than those experienced with placebo in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). "Medication interactions" emphasize that statins interact with numerous medications. Interaction profiles vary widely between statins, and patients should be made aware of the most common interactions with their prescription. "Major organ effects" prompt the physician to review the possibility of a transient transaminitis as well as the recent observation of rare acute kidney injury with statin use. Both are rare and do not require routine monitoring. Finally, "memory" references the recent observational data suggesting statins may contribute to memory loss and confusion, both of which have not been observed in RCTs and resolve with drug cessation. Reviewing these common effects has the possibility to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and boost both medication adherence and patient satisfaction.
Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Daniel H
DH
Katz
Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Sunny S
SS
Intwala
Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA n-stone@northwestern.edu.
Neil J
NJ
Stone
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D003142:Communication; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000139:chemically induced; D004347:Drug Interactions; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D057240:Patient Preference; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D019338:Polypharmacy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
hypercholesterolemia; lipids; statin