Pharmacology Expert Witnesses Discuss Life-Threatening Side Effects from Cholesterol Medication

This drug is a reversible inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, a critical enzyme involved in biosynthesis of cholesterol. Therefore, it is indicated for treatment of hyperlipidemia in patients at risk for development of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Clinically, it (as well as other statin drugs) have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (i.e., heart attack) and stroke in these patients. In the medical literature, there is evidence that it can cause type II diabetes and associated renal impairment. Studies in the medical literature indicate a causal link based on pre-existing risk factors, ethnicity, or co-administered medications. In particular, there is evidence that the risk for developing type II diabetes mellitus is elevated in patients taking selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Lexipro. Additionally, it is known to be a causative agent in drug-drug interactions, particularly with respect to lipophilic drugs that require hepatic metabolism before elimination in the urine. Contraindications for the drug include patients that show symptoms of hypersensitivity to the drug, patients with clinical evidence of acute liver disease (i.e., elevated serum transaminases), and pregnant or lactating women.