SUMMARY
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as ‘statins’, represent one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world; they proved to reduce cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality. Despite their benefit, statin therapy is often discontinued due to possible adverse drug reactions (ADR), and this may associate with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The most commonly reported ADR are muscle symptoms, elevated liver function tests and gastrointestinal discomfort. Allergic reactions, cognitive disorders, and other symptoms or signs concerning different organs or systems may be similarly important even if overlooked or neglected. Purpose of this review is to resume current data evaluating the scientific background linking ADR to statin therapy, with major focus on the less common or unappreciated ones.
Keywords: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, adverse drug effects, atherosclerosis.
EFFETTI COLLATERALI INCONSUETI O DUBBI
DELLA TERAPIA CON STATINE
Unusual or doubtful adverse effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
DANIELA TORTOLA
1, ANGELA COLANGIULO
1, GIOVANNI B. VIGNA
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Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi di Ferrara;
2