Statin drugs have been notably free of serious side effects, despite being used by millions of patients since the late 1980s. However, a new FDA safety advisory announced Wednesday should result in a decreased dosage of the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin (Zocor) for some of the 2.1 million Americans on the drug. After observing that the 80 mg dose had the potential to cause muscle inflammation called myopathy or myositis, the agency recommended that doctors advise their patients to alter dosage level or switch to another statin.
ACSH’s Dr. Gilbert Ross noted recent research suggesting that a 40 mg. dose of Zocor is just as effective as the 80 mg. dose — with a significantly lower risk. Dr. Ross also reiterates the FDA’s recommendation that any patients currently on the 80 mg. dose should consult with their doctor — although the advisory did note that patients on the high dose for over a year likely had nothing to worry about.
