Complications of Statin Therapy and Their Management

Abstract

Several large scale trials have conclusively proved the ability of statin to reduce risk of vascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke. At the same time, use of statins has been shown to produce adverse effects like myopathy, rhabdomyolysis and increased incidence of diabetes mellitus, besides its effect on liver enzymes. Rhabdomyolysis, a rare side effect of statin can cause acute renal failure and death. The underlying cause of statin induced myopathy remains unclear. Interruption of ubiquinone synthesis is one hypothesis. High dose of statin can induce myopathy. Other rare effects of statin therapy include impairment of cognitive function and peripheral neuropathy. The present article reviews adverse effects of statin therapy and the mechanisms responsible.