Cholesterol lowering statin drugs are used by millions of Americans. While the drugs have been long associated with the serious muscle disease rhabdomyolysis, a new study from the University of California, San Diego has identified other serious side effects commonly found among statin patients.
Memory loss, nerve damage and muscle weakness are just some of the side effects that could be linked to statins, according to UCSD studies on cholesterol medication. University of California, San Diego statin researcher Beatrice Golumb said, “patients on statins are at an increased risk for developing muscle weakness, nerve damage and even cancer.”
Popular statin drugs include: Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Pravachol, Mevacor and Lescol. Another statin drug, Baycol, was recalled several years ago after high rates of rhabdomyolysis were reported. Statins are among the best selling drugs in the world. Last year, Lipitor generated over $12 billion of revenue for Pfizer.
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