Potential statin drug interactions in elderly patients: a review

Abstract

Introduction: Persons aged more than 65 years may be more prone to suffer from chronic diseases and comorbidities (as demonstrated by the recent COVID-19 pandemics) and are treated with multiple concomitant medications. This may result in drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that are often overlooked in clinical practice. Elderly patients are more affected by comorbidities increasing the risk of DDIs and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Statins are effective in elderly patients with or at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are prescribed on a long-term basis and may undergo DDIs, particularly on pharmacokinetic bases. The risk of DDIs varies among statins, and safety and ADRs of statins are of special concern in patients affected by multiple chronic conditions requiring concomitant therapies at risk of DDIs, such as the elderly. Areas covered: The purpose of this manuscript is to give an update on the potential statin DDIs and related ADRs with an exclusive focus on the data available in elderly patients. Expert opinion: A better and more close attention to the potential DDIs among statins and other therapeutic options will help physicians in selecting the more effective and less harmful treatment for their patients. This is of importance, especially in older patients.