Screening for Statin-Related Toxicity

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
THE USE of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, or statins, has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention.1-5 Statins have become one of the most widely prescribed classes of medications, with over 76 million prescriptions filled in the United States in 2000. Although HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors generally have a favorable safety profile, controlled trials show increases in serum transaminase values to more than 3 times the upper limit of normal in approximately 1% of patients taking them. The incidence of this abnormality is dose related and, at low doses, is similar to that reached with placebo.3-8 Because of concerns regarding this risk of hepatitis, drug manufacturers have recommended routine screening of serum transaminase values and most physicians follow these recommendations.9-14