High-Dose Statins Linked to Acute Kidney Damage

People who take high doses of popular cholesterol-lowering 

drugs called statins may be more likely to develop kidney 

problems, a new study suggests.

Specifically, those participants who took higher doses of 

statins were 34 percent more likely to be hospitalized for 

acute kidney injury during the first 120 days of treatment, 

compared to their counterparts who were taking lower doses. 

This risk remained elevated two years after starting 

treatment. 

Statins are widely prescribed to lower blood cholesterol 

levels, and can be very effective. They do, however, confer 

their share of risks, most notably liver damage and muscle 

pain or weakness. Doctors currently recommend that people 

take a liver enzyme test before or shortly after they begin 

taking statins. The issue of kidney damage as seen in the 

current study, however, is relatively new.

Canadian researchers analyzed the health records from 

more than 2 million people aged 40 or older with or without 

kidney disease who were also taking statins. High-dose 

statins included rosuvastatin (Crestor) at doses of 10 

milligrams (mg) or higher, atorvastatin (Lipitor) at doses of 20 

mg or higher and simvastatin (Zocor) at doses of 40 mg. All 

other statin doses were considered low dose.

People with kidney disease were not at higher risk for acute 

kidney problems independent of their statin use, the study 

found.

To illustrate the effect of statin dosage, about 1,700 people 

without kidney disease would need to be treated with a high-

dose statin rather than a low-dose version to cause one 

additional hospitalization for kidney injury, the researchers 

said.

The lowest dose of statin required to achieve therapeutic 

goals should be prescribed.

Exactly how -- or even if -- statins cause kidney injury is not 

known. The elevated risk in patients using high-potency 

statins could be related to an increased risk of muscle 

damage.In addition, statins have been shown to block the 

production of coenzyme Q10 (a substance in the body that 

helps break down food), which could theoretically lead to 

kidney injury, the  Dr. said.

Researchers have said that other studies have shown a link 

between statin treatment and protein in the urine, which is a 

hallmark of kidney disease.

If you are concerned about your statin then go talk to your 

doctor. Do not panic. There are both urine and blood tests 

your doctor can use to monitor your kidneys.

Most experts agree that concerned individuals should 

discuss their risks with their doctor before jumping to any 

conclusions.

Signs of kidney injury could include dark urine, difficulty 

urinating or less frequent urination.If you are on a higher 

dose of a statin and there is any issue with urination, call 

your doctor. Instead of a high-dose statin, Dr. can use a 

lower-dose statin along with another type of cholesterol-

lowering medication.

Whatever you do, do not stop taking statins abruptly. Have a 

conversation with your doctor to discuss your benefits and 

risks, and ask if your kidney function has been tested.