Loading...
Because statins lower the incidence of adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events — even in low-risk patients — they are used broadly (NEJM JW Gen Med Jun 12 2012). Statins' reported adverse effects include myalgias, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, transaminitis, and diabetes mellitus. In a meta-analysis of 135 randomized trials (247,000 participants) that involved seven statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin [Crestor], simvastatin, and pitavastatin [Livalo]), investigators evaluated adverse effects associated with statins overall and individually.
The overall rate of statin discontinuation owing to adverse effects was low (6%) for all statins combined. Statins as a class caused no more medication disconti…