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When Compliance Is an Issue—How to Enhance Statin Adherence and Address Adverse Effects

  • Statin Drugs (BS Wiggins, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent and costly. Interventions and therapies that reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease could have an enormous impact on clinical and economic outcomes. Statins reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality; however, adherence to statins is less than optimal. It is important for clinicians as well as health plan managers to be aware of the patient- and insurance plan-specific factors that have been shown to influence adherence. Perceived statin-related side effects may also decrease adherence. Statin-related myalgia may be difficult to distinguish from myalgia caused by other conditions, and statin therapy may be discontinued unnecessarily in patients who would otherwise benefit. It is imperative that clinicians work closely with patients to improve adherence to statin therapy and be knowledgable in managing potential statin-related side effects.

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Kim Birtcher declares no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 1441 Moursund St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Kim Birtcher

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  1. Kim Birtcher
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Correspondence to Kim Birtcher.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Statin Drugs

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Birtcher, K. When Compliance Is an Issue—How to Enhance Statin Adherence and Address Adverse Effects. Curr Atheroscler Rep 17, 471 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-014-0471-8

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