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Published on: July 14, 2023
Association of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors with neuropathy
James M Backes1, Patricia A Howard
1Department of Pharmacy Practice and Lipid, Atherosclerosis, Metabolic and LDL-Apheresis Clinic, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-7231, USA. jbackes@kumc.edu
Objective:
To review the possible association between statins and peripheral neuropathy.
Data Sources:
Literature was obtained from MEDLINE (1984-September 2002) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-June 2002). Key search terms included statin, neuropathy, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
Data Synthesis:
Epidemiologic studies and case reports suggest an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy with statin drugs. Most patients were receiving long-term therapy, although the onset was highly variable. The majority of cases were at least partially reversible with drug cessation. Specific risk factors or mechanisms have not been identified.
Conclusions:
Observational data suggest a link between chronic statin use and increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. However, the risk appears to be small relative to the significant cardioprotective benefits.
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