TY - JOUR ID - TI - Frequency Of Potential Adverse Effects Of A Semisynthetic Statin (Simvastatin) Compared To A Synthetic Statin (Atorvastatin) Used To Reduce Cardiovascular Risk For Patients In Basra AU - Abdullah S. Asia AU - Al-Mahdi A. Modar AU - Hadi M. Ali PY - 2015 VL - 8 IS - 2 SP - 2235 EP - 2239 JO - Karbala Journal of Medicine مجلة كربلاء الطبية SN - 19905483 29580889 AB - background: The confirmed benefits of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease are well recognized in the medical literature.Objectives: This study aimed at examining the frequency of potential side-effects seen as a result of statins therapy, because of the importance of statins adverse effects.Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the frequency of potential adverse effects reported by patients using a semi synthetic statin (Simvastatin) and the synthetic statin (Atorvastatin) in Al-shafaa general Hospital in Basra.Patients and Methods: A total of 350 patients were included in this cross – sectional study to evaluate the frequency of potential adverse effects reported by patients using a semi synthetic statin (simvastatin) and the synthetic statin (atorvastatin) from November 2014 to March 2015 at the out-patient departments of Al-shafaa general Hospital in Basra.Results & discussion: 246 patients (70.3%) report about 302 symptoms, overall symptoms reported were similar between the two types of statins and included muscle pain, joint pain, increased serum transaminase enzymes, gastrointestinal effects, respiratory effects and hair falling effects. The only adverse effects significantly reported for simvastatin more than atorvastatin were headache and dizziness. The side-effects were not severe enough to discontinue administration of statins.Conclusions: There is no significant difference in the frequency of potential side effects reported by patients using a semi synthetic statin (simvastatin) and the synthetic statin (atorvastatin), apart from headache and dizziness reported significantly with simvastatin more than atorvastatin.

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