Side Effects of lovastatin: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of lovastatin
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of lovastatin: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of lovastatin: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Lovastatin is a drug widely used to lower cholesterol levels. However, lovastatin can affect various organs such as muscles and liver. 18 reports that lovastatin can be toxic to the liver. This paper describes cases of reduced liver function in elderly patients who took lovastatin. Lovastatin has also been shown to accelerate cholesterol breakdown in the liver, potentially causing rapid declines in blood cholesterol levels.

Lovastatin can also cause muscle side effects such as muscle weakness and muscle pain. 6 suggests that muscle side effects from lovastatin may be more frequent than previously thought. This paper reports cases of patients taking lovastatin who have experienced muscle pain that migrates. This symptom was reported to be frequent in patients taking lovastatin, not related to exercise, and worsened during daytime activities. Lovastatin can also cause muscle side effects without elevating CK, an enzyme found in muscle.

Lovastatin may have positive effects on vascular health. 8 reports that lovastatin inhibits vascular contraction and lowers blood pressure. This paper shows that lovastatin has the effect of improving the function of vascular cells and inhibiting vascular contraction. Lovastatin has also been reported to inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species, which can negatively affect vascular health.

Lovastatin may interact with other medications. 22 reports that lovastatin can affect the metabolism of other drugs in the body. This paper shows that lovastatin can accelerate or delay the breakdown of other drugs in the body. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician about drug interactions before taking lovastatin.

Lovastatin can also affect the nervous system. reports that lovastatin may induce nerve cell death. This paper shows that lovastatin can inhibit nerve cell growth and cause nerve cell death.

Lovastatin can also affect bone health. 15 reports that lovastatin can decrease bone density. This paper shows that lovastatin may inhibit bone formation and promote bone breakdown.

Lovastatin can also affect the immune system. 9 reports that lovastatin can suppress the function of immune cells. This paper shows that lovastatin may inhibit the activation of immune cells and reduce their function.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of lovastatin vary depending on how the drug is metabolized in the body and how it affects the targeted cells and tissues. 16 suggests that lovastatin may affect liver function by inhibiting selenoprotein synthesis in liver cells. Selenoproteins protect cells from reactive oxygen species. By inhibiting selenoprotein synthesis, lovastatin may make liver cells more susceptible to damage from reactive oxygen species, leading to reduced liver function. Additionally, 4 suggests that lovastatin may affect muscle function by inhibiting protein synthesis in muscle cells. This protein is crucial for muscle contraction and growth. By inhibiting protein synthesis, lovastatin may weaken muscles and make them more prone to muscle pain.

Common Side Effects

Muscle Side Effects

Lovastatin can cause muscle side effects such as muscle pain, weakness, and soreness. 6 , 24 , 23 , 19 These side effects are thought to be caused by lovastatin inhibiting protein synthesis in muscles. Serious muscle side effects from lovastatin, such as rhabdomyolysis, can lead to the breakdown of muscle tissue. Rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney failure, so caution is needed.

Liver Side Effects

Lovastatin can cause liver side effects such as elevated liver enzyme levels and hepatitis. 18 , 16 , 5 These side effects are thought to be caused by lovastatin affecting liver cells. Serious liver side effects from lovastatin, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, can also occur, so caution is needed.

Nervous System Side Effects

Lovastatin can cause nervous system side effects such as headache, dizziness, and memory impairment. , 1 These side effects are thought to be caused by lovastatin affecting nerve cells. Serious nervous system side effects from lovastatin, such as dementia and Parkinson's disease, can also occur, so caution is needed.

Other Side Effects

Lovastatin can cause digestive system side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also cause allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. These side effects are thought to be caused by lovastatin affecting various tissues in the body.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Muscle Side Effects

If you experience muscle side effects from lovastatin, consult a doctor. Your doctor may stop or reduce your lovastatin dosage, or prescribe medications to reduce muscle pain and inflammation. To prevent muscle side effects from lovastatin, it is important to warm up thoroughly before exercising and cool down after exercise. It is also important to stay hydrated. If you experience muscle pain or fatigue while taking lovastatin, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor.

Liver Side Effects

If you experience liver side effects from lovastatin, consult a doctor. Your doctor may stop or reduce your lovastatin dosage, or prescribe medications to reduce liver inflammation. To prevent liver side effects from lovastatin, it is important to have regular liver function tests. Liver function tests can check liver enzyme levels and liver function. If you experience any liver abnormalities while taking lovastatin, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor.

Nervous System Side Effects

If you experience nervous system side effects from lovastatin, consult a doctor. Your doctor may stop or reduce your lovastatin dosage, or prescribe medications to improve nervous system symptoms. To prevent nervous system side effects from lovastatin, it is important to get enough sleep and avoid stress. It is also important to limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking. If you experience any nervous system abnormalities while taking lovastatin, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities between Studies

Multiple studies suggest that lovastatin can affect muscles, liver, and the nervous system. Studies also report that lovastatin can interact with other medications.

Differences between Studies

Different studies have yielded varying results regarding which organs lovastatin affects, what the effects are, and the mechanisms by which side effects occur. For example, 16 suggests that lovastatin affects liver function by inhibiting selenoprotein synthesis in liver cells. On the other hand, 4 suggests that lovastatin affects muscle function by inhibiting protein synthesis in muscle cells. These findings demonstrate that the side effects of lovastatin vary depending on how the drug is metabolized in the body and how it affects the targeted cells and tissues.

Cautions Regarding Application to Real Life

Lovastatin is a drug widely used to lower cholesterol levels. However, it can also cause various side effects. Therefore, when taking lovastatin, it is crucial to fully understand the risks and benefits of the drug, consult with a doctor, and follow the correct dosage instructions. If you experience muscle pain, fatigue, or liver abnormalities while taking lovastatin, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor. Lovastatin can be an effective drug for reducing the risk of heart disease, but when taking it, it is important to fully understand the risks and benefits, consult with a doctor, and ensure safe use.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on lovastatin is still ongoing. In particular, there is much that remains unknown about how lovastatin affects various tissues in the body and the mechanisms by which side effects occur. Therefore, further research on the side effects of lovastatin is needed.

Future Research Directions

Future research on the side effects of lovastatin could include the following:

  • Conduct detailed research on how lovastatin affects various tissues in the body.
  • Conduct molecular-level research to understand the mechanisms by which side effects occur.
  • Research methods to prevent or reduce the side effects of lovastatin.
  • Develop new drugs with fewer side effects than lovastatin.

Conclusion

Lovastatin is a drug effective in lowering cholesterol levels, but it can also cause various side effects. When taking lovastatin, it is crucial to fully understand the risks and benefits, consult with a doctor, and follow the correct dosage instructions. If you experience muscle pain, fatigue, or liver abnormalities while taking lovastatin, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor. Lovastatin can be an effective drug for reducing the risk of heart disease, but when taking it, it is important to fully understand the risks and benefits, consult with a doctor, and ensure safe use.

Literature analysis of 27 papers
Positive Content
17
Neutral Content
5
Negative Content
5
Article Type
4
0
0
5
27
1.

Neurotoxic effect of statins on mouse neuroblastoma NB2a cell line.

Author: VuralK, TuğluM I

Neurotoxicity

This study investigated the potential toxicity of statins on neurite outgrowth in mouse neuroblastoma NB2a cell line.

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

Language : English

2.

Plasma clearance of lovastatin versus chinese red yeast rice in healthy volunteers.

Author: LiZhaoping, SeeramNavindra P, LeeRupo, ThamesGail, MinuttiChayo, WangHe-Jing, HeberDavid

Lowers Cholesterol

Chinese red yeast rice (CRYR) was found to be as effective as lovastatin in lowering cholesterol levels.

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.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

3.

c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase signalling pathway mediates lovastatin-induced rat brain neuroblast apoptosis.

Author: Cerezo-GuisadoMaria Isabel, Alvarez-BarrientosAlberto, ArgentRicardo, García-MarínLuis Jesús, BragadoMaria Julia, LorenzoMaria Jesús

CNS side effects
Neuroblast apoptosis

This study investigated the role of JNK and p38 MAPK in neuroblast apoptosis induced by lovastatin. Lovastatin activated JNK, leading to c-Jun phosphorylation and increased BimEL protein levels, ultimately resulting in apoptosis.

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

4.

Statin-induced muscle damage and atrogin-1 induction is the result of a geranylgeranylation defect.

Author: CaoPeirang, HanaiJun-Ichi, TanksalePreeti, ImamuraShintaro, SukhatmeVikas P, LeckerStewart H

Muscle damage
Rhabdomyolysis

Statins can induce muscle damage, including rhabdomyolysis, potentially due to inhibition of geranylgeranyl transferase, which leads to dysfunction of small GTP-binding proteins and the induction of atrogin-1, a gene involved in muscle atrophy.

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

5.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors: drug-drug interactions and interindividual differences in transporter and metabolic enzyme functions.

Author: ShitaraYoshihisa, SugiyamaYuichi

Hypercholesterolemia treatment
Myopathy
Rhabdomyolysis

This review discusses the pharmacokinetic aspects of statins, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, and the potential for pharmacokinetic alterations to cause myotoxic side effects.

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

6.

Statin-induced myositis migrans.

Author: SinzingerHelmut

Statin therapy
Muscle side effects

Statin-induced myositis migrans, a new side effect of statins, is characterized by muscle pain that is not related to exercise and may occur even without elevated creatine kinase levels.

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

10.

The safety of niacin in the US Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting database.

Author: Alsheikh-AliAlawi A, KarasRichard H

Better safety profile
Raises HDL cholesterol

This study reviewed FDA adverse event reports to assess the safety of extended-release niacin (niacin-ER) for cardiovascular disease. Niacin-ER demonstrated a better safety profile than other niacin formulations and was comparable to statins and fibrates. Combining niacin-ER with lovastatin was also safe.

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

14.

Effects of lovastatin and pravastatin on cognitive function in military aircrew.

Author: GibellatoM G, MooreJ L, SelbyK, BowerE A

Impaired cognitive function

This study aimed to establish the effects of pravastatin and lovastatin on aircrew daytime cognitive function using tests that are correlated with actual cockpit tasks and inflight performance.

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.
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.
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.

Language : English

15.

Comparative impact of systemic delivery of atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin on bone mineral density of the ovariectomized rats.

Author: ShahrezaeeMostafa, OryanAhmad, BastamiFarshid, HosseinpourSepanta, ShahrezaeeMohammad Hossein, KamaliAmir

Bone health
Osteoporosis

Oral administration of lipophilic statins for 60 days showed therapeutic effects on bone turnover in ovariectomized rats.

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

Language : English

16.

Statin-induced liver injury involves cross-talk between cholesterol and selenoprotein biosynthetic pathways.

Author: KromerAndrea, MoosmannBernd

Cholesterol reduction
Liver enzyme elevation

Statins, commonly used to treat high cholesterol, have been found to inhibit the expression of certain selenoproteins in human liver cells. This may lead to increased sensitivity to toxins and contribute to their clinical effects.

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

17.

Low-dose combination therapy with colesevelam hydrochloride and lovastatin effectively decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.

Author: DavidsonM H, TothP, WeissS, McKenneyJ, HunninghakeD, IsaacsohnJ, DonovanJ M, BurkeS K

Hypercholesterolemia treatment
Lipid lowering

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of combination low-dose colesevelam and lovastatin treatment in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.

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.
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.

Language : English

18.

[Case of hepatotoxicity of atorvastatin: the search for a possible etiology].

Author: CastermansAnne, HiasJulie, Van der LindenLorenz, SprietIsabel, TournoyJos

Hepatotoxicity

This case report describes a geriatric patient experiencing repeated hepatotoxicity after (re)starting atorvastatin. The patient also showed a rapid decline in LDL-cholesterol levels after atorvastatin intake. However, rosuvastatin or low-dose lovastatin did not induce hepatotoxicity. Despite investigations into genetic factors, medication interactions, and other potential causes, the reason for the hepatotoxicity remained unclear.

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.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Dutch

19.

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

20.

Lovastatin-Mediated Changes in Human Tendon Cells.

Author: Kuzma-KuzniarskaMaria, CornellHannah R, MonekeMichael C, CarrAndrew J, HulleyPhilippa A

Anti-atherosclerotic properties
Cholesterol lowering
Prevention of cardiovascular disease
Muscle-related symptoms
Reduced cell migration
Tendon-specific adverse effects

This study investigated the tendon-specific effects of statins in human primary tenocytes. Statins were found to decrease migration of human tendon cells, alter their expression profile, and impair the functional network. These effects were accompanied by inhibition of prenylation of Rap1a small GTPase.

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

21.

Lovastatin protects against cisplatin-induced hearing loss in mice.

Author: FernandezKatharine, SpielbauerKatie K, RusheenAaron, WangLizhen, BakerTiffany G, EylesStephen, CunninghamLisa L

Cisplatin ototoxicity prevention

This study suggests that lovastatin, a statin drug, could potentially prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., IntramuralFunding provided by the NIH for research projects within the NIH.

Language : English

23.

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

26.

The short-term supplementation of monacolin K improves the lipid and metabolic patterns of hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic subjects at low cardiovascular risk.

Author: MazzaAlberto, SchiavonLaura, RigatelliGianluca, TorinGioia, MontanaroFabio, LentiSalvatore

Improved glucose metabolism
Improved lipid profile

This study investigates the efficacy and safety of a nutraceutical compound containing high doses of monacolin K (10 mg) in hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic individuals. The compound was found to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in improving lipid and glucose profiles, suggesting its potential as a viable alternative to statins.

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.

Language : English

27.

Understanding the "individual drug reaction" from the perspective of the interaction between probiotics and lovastatin in vitro and in vivo.

Author: ShenSiyuan, WangJun, MaChenchen, ChenYanni, DingHao, ZhangJiachao

Lipid-lowering
Drug efficacy reduction

This study examines the potential impact of gut microbiota on drug efficacy, specifically focusing on lovastatin, a lipid-lowering drug. The authors explore the possibility that probiotics, known for their prebiotic functions, might degrade lovastatin in the gut, reducing its effectiveness. The study likely investigates the interaction between probiotics and lovastatin and its implications for drug efficacy.

Video-Audio MediaMedia that combines video and audio. Includes movies, TV shows, and online videos.
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

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.