Relative safety profiles of high dose statin regimens

Review

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Authors: Carlos Escobar, Rocio Echarri, Vivencio Barrios

Published Date June 2008 Volume 2008:4(3) Pages 525 - 533

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S2048

Carlos Escobar, Rocio Echarri, Vivencio Barrios

Department of Cardiology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain

Abstract: Recent clinical trials recommend achieving a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of <100 mg/dl in high-risk and <70 mg/dl in very high risk patients. To attain these goals, however, many patients will need statins at high doses. The most frequent side effects related to the use of statins, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and increased levels of transaminases, are unusual. Although low and moderate doses show a favourable profile, there is concern about the tolerability of higher doses. During recent years, numerous trials to analyze the efficacy and tolerability of high doses of statins have been published. This paper updates the published data on the safety of statins at high doses.

Keywords: statins, high doses, tolerability, liver, muscle

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