Side Effects of fluvastatin: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Fluvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, has been associated with a range of side effects. 11 found that fluvastatin can inhibit the transport of lactic acid in muscle cells, potentially leading to muscle problems. 28 demonstrated that fluvastatin can cause muscle weakness and damage in rats. Additionally, found that fluvastatin can induce programmed cell death in Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba. However, 19 suggested that fluvastatin might have preventive effects on breast cancer. It's important to note that the effects of fluvastatin can vary depending on the dosage and individual patient characteristics.

Reasons for Side Effects

Fluvastatin's side effects are likely due to a combination of factors, including its mechanism of action, its metabolism, and individual patient variations. Fluvastatin works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production. However, this enzyme also plays a crucial role in other tissues, including muscles and the liver, and fluvastatin's inhibition can lead to complications in these areas. Additionally, fluvastatin's metabolism involves enzymes like CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Variations in these enzymes' activity or genetic makeup can influence how fluvastatin is processed and its effectiveness. Further, fluvastatin has been shown to disrupt lactic acid transport in muscle cells and trigger cell death in these cells, which may explain its muscle toxicity.

Common Side Effects

Muscle Pain

Fluvastatin can cause muscle pain, weakness, and decreased strength, as reported in studies like 14 , 16 , and 24 .

Liver Abnormalities

Fluvastatin can lead to abnormal liver values and liver dysfunction, as reported in 13 .

Other Side Effects

Beyond muscle and liver issues, fluvastatin can also cause side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, allergic reactions, headaches, and dizziness, as documented in 26 .

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Muscle Pain

If muscle pain occurs, consult with your doctor. They might recommend stopping or reducing the fluvastatin dosage. You may also be prescribed pain relievers.

Liver Abnormalities

If abnormal liver values are detected, talk to your doctor. They might suggest discontinuing or adjusting the fluvastatin dosage. Dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments could also be recommended to improve liver function.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities in Studies

Many studies highlight the potential for fluvastatin to negatively impact muscles and the liver.

Differences in Studies

The severity of fluvastatin's muscle and liver toxicity varies across studies. This difference likely stems from factors such as the specific type of fluvastatin used, the dosage administered, the health status of the participants, and the methodologies employed in each study.

Points to Note on Applying to Real Life

Fluvastatin, while effective in lowering cholesterol, has potential risks to muscles and the liver. It's crucial to consult with your doctor before starting fluvastatin to ensure it's appropriate for your health condition. During treatment, be mindful of possible side effects, including muscle pain, weakness, and liver abnormalities. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on fluvastatin is still ongoing and incomplete. Further investigation is needed into its long-term effects and how individual factors influence its impact. The interaction between fluvastatin and other medications also requires more research.

Future Research Directions Needed

To better understand the safety of fluvastatin, future research should focus on:

  • Long-term effects of fluvastatin
  • Individual variations in fluvastatin's effects
  • Interactions between fluvastatin and other medications
  • Mechanisms underlying fluvastatin's muscle and liver toxicity

Conclusion

Fluvastatin is a widely used medication for cholesterol management. However, research suggests potential adverse effects on muscles and the liver. Consult with your doctor before taking fluvastatin to ensure it's the right choice for you, and be aware of possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Literature analysis of 28 papers
Positive Content
17
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
10
Article Type
1
0
0
4
27
2.

Statins and Male Fertility: Is There a Cause for Concern?

Author: OmolaoyeTemidayo S, HalabiMouhammad Omar, MubarakMaitha, CyrilAsha Caroline, DuvuruRuthwik, RadhakrishnanRajan, Du PlessisStefan S

Anti-inflammatory effects
Cardioprotective effects
Altered semen parameters
Erectile dysfunction
Modified steroid hormone production
Testicular discomfort

This review explores the contradictory findings on the effects of statins on male sexual health and reproductive parameters. While some studies suggest negative effects on fertility due to altered steroid hormone production, others suggest potential benefits from statins' anti-inflammatory properties.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

3.

Adverse drug reactions of statin therapy in China from 1989 to 2019: a national database analysis.

Author: TsuiLeo, YePeiying, XuShiling, LinYuan, ChenBin, ChenSy-Ping, ChengRuoh-Yi

Gastrointestinal symptoms
Liver disease
Muscle symptoms
Neurological symptoms

Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common ADR of statin use in Chinese clinical trials.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

An updated review of pharmacokinetic drug interactions and pharmacogenetics of statins.

Author: HirotaTakeshi, FujitaYuito, IeiriIchiro

Hypercholesterolemia treatment
Skeletal muscle toxicity

This abstract provides information about statins, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels. It discusses the different mechanisms by which various statins are metabolized and transported in the body, highlighting the potential for drug interactions and muscle toxicity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

12.

Prevalence and nature of statin drug-drug interactions in a university hospital by electronic health record mining.

Author: MorivalCamille, WesterlynckRichard, BouzilléGuillaume, CuggiaMarc, Le CorrePascal

Drug interactions

The study found that different drug-drug interaction profiles were observed between statins with a higher prevalence of CYP3A4-based interactions for lipophilic statins.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

14.

Drug-drug interactions that interfere with statin metabolism.

Author: HirotaTakeshi, IeiriIchiro

Atherosclerotic disease prevention
Myotoxic side effects

Statins are effective in treating and preventing atherosclerotic diseases but can cause myotoxic side effects. The myotoxicity is associated with CYP 3A4 inhibition, which increases the plasma concentration of simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

15.

Risk identification and possible countermeasures for muscle adverse effects during statin therapy.

Author: MagniPaolo, MacchiChiara, MorlottiBeatrice, SirtoriCesare R, RuscicaMassimiliano

Cardiovascular disease prevention
Myopathy
Rhabdomyolysis

This review discusses the use of statins for cardiovascular disease prevention, including the risk of myopathy and strategies to minimize it.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

16.

Incidence of skeletal muscle disorders after statins' treatment: consequences in clinical and EMG picture.

Author: DrobnyMichal, PullmannRudolf, OdalosIvan, SkerenovaMaria, SaniovaBeata

Myositis
Rhabdomyolysis

Statin-induced myopathy is associated with genetic polymorphisms. In this clinical trial, rhabdomyolysis was observed in 6 patients receiving statins, and at least one polymorphism of 'statins' genes was present in each case. No cases of rhabdomyolysis were observed in patients receiving rosuvastatin.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

A prospective stratified case-cohort study on statins and multiple adverse events in Japan.

Author: OobaNobuhiro, SatoTsugumichi, WakanaAkira, OriiTakao, KitamuraMasaki, KokanAkira, KurataHideaki, ShimodozonoYoshihiro, MatsuiKenichi, YoshidaHiroshi, YamaguchiTakuhiro, KageyamaShigeru, KubotaKiyoshi

Reduce liver events
Reduce muscle events
Reduce renal events
Increase serum creatinine

A study of 6,877 new users of statins in Japan found that statin use was not associated with a significant increased risk for renal, liver, and muscle events. However, the hazard ratio of increase in serum creatinine tended to be high with atorvastatin and fluvastatin, suggesting further studies are needed.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

19.

National Drug Formulary review of statin therapeutic group using the multiattribute scoring tool.

Author: RamliAzuana, AljunidSyed Mohamed, SulongSaperi, Md YusofFaridah Aryani

Hypercholesterolemia treatment

A multiattribute scoring tool (MAST) framework was developed to rank HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) available in Malaysia based on their utilities or benefits.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

The effects of statins on the mevalonic acid pathway in recombinant yeast strains expressing human HMG-CoA reductase.

Author: MaciejakAgata, LeszczynskaAgata, WarcholIlona, GoraMonika, KaminskaJoanna, PlochockaDanuta, Wysocka-KapcinskaMonika, TulaczDorota, SiedleckaJoanna, SwiezewskaEwa, SojkaMaciej, DanikiewiczWitold, OdolczykNorbert, SzkopinskaAnna, SygitowiczGrazyna, BurzynskaBeata

Reduced cholesterol
Side effects

Statins, known for cholesterol reduction, also impact the mevalonate pathway in yeast, a model for human sterol synthesis. This study investigates the effects of various statins on yeast metabolism.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

A randomized controlled trial adding fluvastatin to peginterferon and ribavirin for naïve genotype 1 hepatitis C patients.

Author: BaderT, HughesL D, FaziliJ, FrostB, DunnamM, GontermanA, MadhounM, AstonC E

Improved SVR

Fluvastatin or simvastatin, added to peginterferon/ribavirin, was safe and may improve sustained viral response (SVR) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

23.

Preventive effects of fluvastatin in rat mammary carcinogenesis.

Author: KubatkaPeter, StollárováNadežda, ŠkardaJozef, ŽihlavníkováKatarína, KajoKarol, KapinováAndrea, AdamicováKatarína, PéčMartin, DobrotaDušan, BojkováBianka, KassayováMonika, OrendášPeter

Breast cancer prevention
Bone thinning
Weight loss

This study found that fluvastatin, a statin, had tumor-preventive characteristics in an animal model of breast cancer.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

25.

Chronic cough as a complication of treatment with statins: a case report.

Author: PsailaMatthew, FsadniPeter, MontefortStephen

Statin cough

Statins can cause side effects like dry cough, requiring treatment discontinuation. This case report describes an 80-year-old patient who developed dry cough after taking simvastatin and fluvastatin, which resolved after switching to placebo. This further supports the existing evidence of lone cough associated with statin therapy, prompting further research into its underlying mechanisms.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

26.

Selected statins produce rapid spinal motor neuron loss in vitro.

Author: MurinsonBeth B, HaugheyNorman J, MaragakisNicholas J

ALS exacerbation
Neuropathy exacerbation

Statins may exacerbate neuromuscular diseases, but further research is needed to understand their differential effects on neuronal cells.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

27.

Direct to consumer Internet advertising of statins: an assessment of safety.

Author: WilliamsBethan, BrownDavid

Statin misuse

Internet sites advertising statins for sale to the general public were found to be of poor quality and lacking in safety information.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Retracted PublicationCases where a publication has been formally withdrawn due to the discovery of serious errors or misconduct.

Language : English

28.

Fluvastatin-induced alterations of skeletal muscle function in hypercholesterolaemic rats.

Author: FüziMárta, PaliczZoltán, VinczeJános, CseriJulianna, SzombathyZita, KovácsIlona, OláhAnna, SzentesiPéter, KertaiPál, ParaghGyörgy, CsernochLászló

Hyperlipidaemia treatment
Muscle wasting

This study developed an animal model with high blood cholesterol levels to study the effects of fluvastatin on skeletal muscles.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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