By Colin Kenny – GP, Dromore, County Down
This study asked how commonly people stop a statin they are taking, and which statins cause the most problems. The comparative hazards of individual statins were assessed. The investigators found little real harm. The “weaker” statins, simvastatin and pravastatin, used at low dose were associated with the fewest problems, whereas higher doses of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were associated with more drug discontinuations. All of the common statins used at high dose were associated with higher odds of transaminase elevations, but none were linked to an increased cancer risk. The results are reassuring for patient care.
Link to abstract (full article available for free)
