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Which Statins Are Less Likely to Hurt Your Muscles?
Published: Mar 30, 2024
Not all statins are created equal when it comes to muscle side effects. Discover which statins are less likely to cause muscle problems.
Statins and Muscle Safety
Some statins are more likely to cause muscle issues than others. Fluvastatin, pravastatin, and pitavastatin are considered safer options with lower risk of muscle injury. These statins have different metabolic pathways that reduce the chance of interactions leading to muscle problems.
High-Risk Statins
Statins like lovastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin are more prone to cause muscle issues due to their metabolism by the CYP3A4 enzyme. When combined with other drugs that inhibit CYP3A4, the risk of muscle pain and damage increases significantly.
Managing Statin Side Effects
If muscle symptoms occur, switching to a statin with a lower risk of muscle issues may be beneficial. Pravastatin, pitavastatin, or fluvastatin are good alternatives. Additionally, adjusting the dosage or trying alternate-day dosing can help manage side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fluvastatin, pravastatin, and pitavastatin.
They are metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme, increasing risk.
Switch to a safer statin or adjust the dosage.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right statin can minimize muscle side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
References
- Catapano AL. Statin-induced myotoxicity: pharmacokinetic differences among statins and the risk of rhabdomyolysis, with particular reference to pitavastatin. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2012; 10:257.
- Rosenson RS, Baker S, Banach M, et al. Optimizing Cholesterol Treatment in Patients With Muscle Complaints. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 70:1290.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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