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Long-Term Clinical Tolerance of Lovastatin and Simvastatin
Abstract
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors are gaining widespread use in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Clinical experience with lovastatin, which is approaching 4 years in many patients, indicates that it is well tolerated. Short-term adverse effects have usually been self-limited and have included abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and flatus in 4-6% of cases. Raised hepatic transaminases and myopathy have occurred in 1.3 and 0.1% of cases, respectively; both, however, are reversible upon discontinuation of drug. To date, there is no evidence that lovastatin adversely affects the human lens. Overall, the drug has been well tolerated by the vast majority of patients over the long term. Early clinical experience with simvastatin shows a pattern and frequency of side effects similar to that reported with lovastatin.
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174684 Cardiology 1990;77:58–65Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.