Statin-type cholesterol-lowering medications have been linked to muscle pain and weakness. A new study from the University of California at San Diego suggests that the more powerful the statin, the more likely it is to affect the muscles. This was the conclusion from an analysis of nearly 150,000 adverse event reports submitted to the FDA between 2005 and 2011.
The most potent statin, rosuvastatin, known by the brand name Crestor, had the highest rate of muscle-related complaints. The next most potent statin is atorvastatin, known as Lipitor and it followed on the heels of Crestor with respect to adverse event reports. Following Lipitor were simvastatin, and pravastatin. The study authors suggest that people who are susceptible to statin side effects might do better on a less potent medication.
[PLoS ONE, online, Aug. 22, 2012]
You can listen to one of the study’s authors, Dr. Beatrice Golomb, discuss the pros and cons of statins in an audio interview.
