A REVIEW ON RISKS INVOLVED IN STATIN THERAPY

V. Bhavan Kumar*, Avinash A, K. Narendra, I.V.V.S.S. Kartheek Kumar, S. Parimala Krishnan

There is a controversy going on statins concerning their safety in patients, since their introduction in 1987. Statins known to show a lot of beneficial effects in treatment. However, there are number of risks associated with statin therapy such as elevated blood sugar and enzyme levels, memory impairment, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis and congenital abnormalities. The diabetes risk should be taken into account only if statin therapy is considered for patients at low CV risk, the risk of diabetes mellitus was found to be minor when compared to cardiovascular benefits. Cognitive impairment such as memory loss was found from high dose use of statins and resolves on discontinuation of therapy. In statin therapy muscle toxicity is rare however creatine kinase (CK) levels should be monitored. It is advisable to avoid statins during pregnancy. Finally, overall benefits of statin therapy takes advantage over the risks.