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Discontinuation of Statins: What Are the Risks?

  • Statin Drugs (B. Wiggins, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The key benefits of statin therapy have been well established in both primary and secondary prevention cardiovascular patients. Many studies have shown a significant statin discontinuation rate within the first year of initiation whether for primary or secondary prevention. National guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia highlight the lack of benefit seen with statin therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and patients greater than 75 years of age without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Available data outside of these patient populations do not support discontinuation of statin therapy. Recent studies support an association with statin discontinuation and increased risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Based on the available data, discontinuation of statin therapy should be carefully considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado, Mail Stop C238, 12850 E. Montview Blvd., Room V20-2128, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Joel C. Marrs

  2. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wichita Campus, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, 1010 N. Kansas Avenue, Wichita, KS, 67214, USA

    Matthew D. Kostoff

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Correspondence to Joel C. Marrs.

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Joel C. Marrs and Matthew D. Kostoff declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Statin Drugs

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Marrs, J.C., Kostoff, M.D. Discontinuation of Statins: What Are the Risks?. Curr Atheroscler Rep 18, 41 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-016-0596-z

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