From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

Researchers in France analyzed report compiled between 1990 and 2005 on the side effects of cholesterol-lowering statins. Statins are the most widely prescribed medications in the world, but come with an array of adverse side effects, including those that are tendon-related. Of the 4597 reported statin side effects listed in a French national database from 1990 to 2005, a total of 2% involved tendon problems, such as tears or tendonitis. Crestor, the most recently approved and effective statin on the market, appears to have a higher incidence of muscle-related side effects. An American study found that the tendon problems associated with statin use stem from the drug’s impairment of the mitochondria, which can lead to muscle damage. Statin side effects generally depend on the patient’s age and severity of illness, along with the dosage. For middle-aged men at high risk for heart disease, it is generally agreed upon that the benefits of statins outweigh the risks. For groups with lower risk factors, however, the side effects of statins should be carefully considered before use.

Read the full text of the article on healthday.com