Statins an oft-prescribed drug is implicated in peripheral neuropathy: The time to know more

Statins are hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors inhibit denovo cholesterol synthesis leading to reduction of serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein as well as elevation of high density lipoprotein level. Statins are used in the treatment of dyslipidaemia, prevention of major cardiovascular events and complications. The potential role of statins in the induction of peripheral neuropathy has not been verified as most of statins induced-peripheral neuropathy had been reported as case reports. Also, statins therapy leads to noteworthy reduction of Coenzyme Q10, causing impairment of neuronal energy. The incidence of polyneuropathy was high with atorvastatin (65%) which is lipophilic, and relatively less with fluvastatin (54%) which is hydrophilic. Long-term statins therapy, mainly with atorvastatin and simvastatin, is linked with thedevelopment of peripheral neuropathy.